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06/09/2026ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2026 The regular meeting of June 9, 2026 was called to order at 2:30 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 South Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related material were duly posted on June 4, 2026. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks. Mayor Pro Tern Carlos A. Leon joined the meeting during Closed Session. STAFF PRESENT: Interim City Manager Greg Garcia, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None CLOSED SESSION: At 2:31 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed to closed session for consideration of the following: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Jose Luis Torres Marquez v. City of Anaheim, et al.; OCSC Case No 30- 2025-01462822 CU-PO-CJC 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organization: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 47 Part -Time Customer Service Employees At 3:34 p.m., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: Mike Robbins expressed concerns about the City's growing structural budget deficits, noting it has increased from approximately $45 million in 2021 and 2022 to about $47 million in 2023, with projections of approximately $60 million in 2025 and $70 million in 2026. He emphasized that accumulated deficits and interest costs on borrowed funds could consume future revenues, leaving little to no funding available for other City needs. He stated that the City should receive a greater share of revenue from Disneyland through admissions and parking taxes to help balance the City's budget. He expressed concerns about the City's bond rating, higher borrowing costs, and the use of City assets, including City Hall, police stations, and fire stations, as collateral for debt. Marc Herbert questioned why the public could not address City Council following the staff presentations for the Workshop. He added that the process had been allowed in the past and would City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 2 of 52 better include public participation. He referenced a public employee compensation report, noting that Anaheim's highest -paid positions were primarily in the Fire Department due to overtime. He expressed concern that Anaheim was behind schedule in meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals, stating that only 367 affordable housing units have been completed toward a target of approximately 9,100 units. He compared Anaheim's progress to the City of Santa Ana's and questioned why the City had not secured funding through the State. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that no electronic public comments were received related to the Workshop. D106 WORKSHOP: Proposed Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget (Citywide Overview; Administrative Support Departments; Police; Fire & Rescue; and Community Services) Interim City Manager Greg Garcia introduced the Budget Workshop. He stated that the proposed budget was fiscally stable, maintains responsible spending, and includes investments to address existing City needs while positioning the City for increased investment in the upcoming fiscal year He introduced Finance Director/City Treasurer Deborah Moreno and Budget staff to present. Citywide Overview and Administrative Support Departments Director Moreno reported that when building the budget, staff considers forecasts from economists and local universities and relies on the professional judgement of staff and industry experts. She explained that the proposed budget includes modest revenue growth and supports the City's existing levels of service. She stated that staff has added funding for limited, essential services, knowing that the City needs to exercise restraint to allow for a comprehensive discussion of funding with the Lease Payment Measurement Revenues (LPMR) payoff. She added that the budget does not contemplate a recession or economic downturn, but there continues to be a lot of economic uncertainty. She reported that the national economy remains steady and is expected to experience modest growth. She added that household disposable income was growing due to the tax reductions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and geopolitical tensions have strengthened the U.S. dollar. She noted that economic volatility may affect consumer spending, travel, development activity, and sales tax performance. She reported that fuel prices are high, which affects both local travel and airfares and could have a direct impact on Anaheim revenue. She stated that consumer confidence has decreased and the federal deficit has increased because of the Supreme Court's invalidation of most 2025 tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration that were intended to offset tax reductions. She added that there are mixed signals and uncertainty and volatility seem to be the only guarantees. Director Moreno stated that the proposed FY 2026/27 Budget includes Citywide Expenditures totaling $2.6 billion. She reported that the General Fund budget makes up only 22% of the budget, with a focus on the bulk of discretionary funding that comes from and is used to support the City's core services such as Police, Fire, Parks, and Libraries. She added that the remainder of funds are mainly restricted for a specific purpose such as Enterprise operations that include Electric, Water, and Sanitation utilities, and are not available to fund general city services. Director Moreno reported that the budget includes a proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of $324.5 million. She explained that the CIP is a 5-year fiscal and planning tool that allocates budget for capital projects to rehabilitate, improve, or build new public infrastructure, such as streets, parks, and libraries. She added that most projects are supported by restricted funding sources, and projects are divided into 7 project categories. She stated that the CIP includes 5 years of projected capital needs but only the first year will be adopted. She reported that approval of the five-year plan doesn't guarantee approval of individual projects. She noted that as projects move forward through the development process, they will be brought back to Council for final approval and contract award. She added that until a contract is awarded, projects may change in scope or be reprioritized. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 3 of 52 Director Moreno stated that the General Fund is the main repository of tax revenues and discretionary sources of funding. She noted that the City's "Big 3" revenues (Transient Occupancy, Sales and Use, and Property Taxes) make up nearly 80% of General Fund revenue sources. She reported that the largest piece was Transient Occupancy Tax, or TOT, at 40%. Sales and Use Tax makes up 19%, and Property taxes make up 18%, with Business License, Fees and Permits, Other Revenues, and Transfers from Other Funds making up the remaining revenue. Director Moreno presented the proposed TOT budget for FY 2026/27. She reported that the budget was $257 million and represented the 15% tax visitors pay on their hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays of 30 days or less. TOT is our largest source of General Fund revenue and is driven by visitors to the Anaheim Resort. She noted that for the current year, TOT is projected to be about $253 million, or 3.8% above the prior year. She added that after a strong year, TOT was expected to moderate with 1.6% growth, with growth in the out years expected at 3 to 3.5% per year. Director Moreno reported that the proposed FY 2026/27 Sales and Use Tax budget was $122 million. She stated that Sales and Use Tax is a tax applied to the sale of tangible personal property. She noted that Anaheim's tax rate is 7.75%, and the City receives 1 cent of every dollar in Anaheim. She reported that for the current year, sales tax is projected to be about $117 million, 3% over the FY 2024/25 actuals. She noted that sales tax revenues have increased across all sectors except construction. She added that for FY 2026/27, sales tax was projected to be $122 million, an increase of 4.5% or $5.3 million from the current year projected revenues. She shared that future years increase 2.5 to 4% annually on average based on moderate, sustained economic growth. Director Moreno stated that the proposed Property Tax budget for FY 2026/27 is $119 million. She stated that all real and tangible personal property in the State is subject to a property tax equal to 1 % of the value. She explained that the County collects the revenue and distributes it to local taxing entities, noting that the City's share is approximately 20%. She stated that property tax revenue is projected to be $112 million for FY 2025/26, about 6% higher than FY 2024/25. She reported that FY 2026/27 revenues were estimated to be $119 million, an increase of 5.8% or $6.6 million from the current year projection. She added that increases in the out years are moderate while tapering to the statutory increase of 2%. Director Moreno reported that nearly half of the City's uses go toward keeping the City safe, including Police and Fire, and is typical of local government. She stated that providing the necessities, Public Works and Utilities make up 6%, ensuring quality of life make up 15%, and the support departments make up 7% of General Fund uses. She provided an overview of transfers to other funds, with the majority going toward supporting debt. She added that the bulk of debt is for the Resort, or LPMR, which are amounts equal to a specified portion of TOT, and then Sales and Property Tax increments on Disney properties determined by formula. She noted that the transfer includes the working capital bonds, the Convention Center debt, and a small piece for other Neighborhood Improvements that were done when the Convention Center Expansion bonds were issued. She outlined General Fund expenditures and their allocations. She reported that Police make up 39% of all expenditures and includes funding for a new Deputy Police Chief and improvements to the Detention Facility to upgrade access controls and facility systems. She stated that Fire is 25% of General Fund expenditures and includes a new Fire Captain to begin implementation of a new hand crew program to support fire prevention efforts and six ambulance operators for Fire Station 4. She added that Community Services and other Quality of Life departments make up 19% of the General Fund and include increased funding for park rangers to patrol parks and restrooms. She stated that Public Works makes up 7% and includes additional funding for right-of-way improvements, including vandalism mitigation and crosswalk striping that help support their maintenance of effort for Measure M grant funding, and Public Utilities was less than 1 % and includes funding for streetlights and the 3- City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 4 of 52 1-1 Call Center. She concluded that the Administrative departments and supporting activities make up less than 9% of expenditures. Director Moreno reported that labor expenditures total $396.6 million and nearly 70% of the General Fund budget and include full and part-time salaries, overtime, Fire minimum staffing, and all employee benefit costs including medical, dental, retirement, and workers' compensation. She stated that other operating makes up 30% of General Fund expenditures and include increases for landscape maintenance contracts, reimbursable safety contracts for the ambulance program, and intradepartmental service charges related to insurance, Information Technology support, and Facility Maintenance. She added that debt service and capital outlay make up less than 2% of General Fund expenditures. She noted that funding for most debt is supported by a revenue transfer from the General Fund and paid out of a restricted debt service fund. Director Moreno stated that the Five -Year Forecast represents the City's most likely scenario, but does not contemplate a recession or the impacts of expiring labor agreements. She shared that the City is in a better place as the City nears the payoff of the LPMR bonds, but still requires work to ensure that the availability of revenues are managed and prioritized responsibly, including reserve levels, repayment of debt, service enhancements, and capital improvements. She reported that the City's proposed operating sources are $645 million, including the big three revenues, other revenues, and transfers from other funds. She stated that operating uses are $687.3 million and include salaries and benefits based on current labor agreements, other operating costs, and transfers out to other funds, leaving an operating deficit of $42.3 million. She noted that it includes the projected payoff of the LPMR bonds in Spring 2027 reflected in the Transfers Out line that goes from $116.1 million in year 1 to $ 27.9 million in the second year of the forecast. She added that the forecast is relatively unchanged from the amended Five -Year Forecast presented in December. She shared that the deficit has increased slightly from $38.6 million to $42.3 million. She noted that the City did close last year better than expected with more proceeds remaining from the sale of the Hilton parking structure, which reduced the proposed draw on fund balance from $28 million to $11 million. She added that with the one-time money and early repayment of LPMR, the reserves are estimated to be 11% of General Fund expenditures, within the City's current policy levels. Director Moreno reported that the Five -Year Forecast does not contemplate the risk of recession or impacts of economic uncertainty. She stated that the recent increase in gas prices could result in fewer visitors to the Anaheim Resort, having a direct impact on TOT. She added that recent returns have been solid, with TOT often lagging economic changes by 6 to 12 months. She noted that any revenue loss associated with a recession could also delay the projected payoff of the LPMR revenue bonds. She reported that the Five -Year Forecast does not include salary adjustments beyond what is contractually obligated in the current MOUs. She stated that the City is a service organization and 70% of the General Fund pays for the salaries and benefits of the City's workforce. She noted that the Police Association and Police Management MOU's are expiring. She added that salary adjustments would increase General Fund expenditures by approximately $1 million for every 1 % wage increase in addition to the projected cost of any benefit changes. She reported that agreements with the Fire Association, the Municipal Employees Association, and the Management and Confidential groups expire in June 2027. She added that for those groups, the General Fund impact is estimated to be $1.4 million for every 1 % salary increase beginning in year 2 of the Five -Year Forecast. She stated that with the help of departments, staff monitors the impact of Federal and State funds, which are subject to factors outside the City's control. She shared that reductions to Grant - funded programs, particularly in the Housing and Community Development Department, could increase General Fund uses to maintain existing programs and services. She stated that if those or any other risks materialize and cause an imbalance in the Five -Year Forecast, the City would have to reprioritize or alter service delivery. She noted that staff monitor revenue and expenditure City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 5 of 52 performance regularly and will re-evaluate and respond accordingly as new information becomes available. Director Moreno provided an overview of the administrative departments, including City Council, City Administration, City Attorney, City Clerk, Finance, or Human Resources who support the day-to-day operations of the departments that provide direct service to the community. She reported that the City Council, City Administration, City Attorney, and City Clerk are predominantly funded by the General Fund. She added that the operating budgets are largely unchanged from the prior year aside from contractual increases in salaries and benefits and internal service charges. She reported that Finance has a proposed budget of $113.1 million and Human Resources has a proposed budget of $391 million. She stated that the General Fund budgets are $18.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively, with the balance comprised of Citywide debt service, Information Services, Insurance, and the Employee Benefits funds. She added that supporting departments recover approximately 30% of their General Fund budget from cost allocation to Enterprise Funds. She presented a schedule of Council workshops, meetings, and community outreach efforts. She reported that the proposed budget was made available on May 29th and available on the City's website. DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Aitken, Director Moreno confirmed that the AFSCME agreements were not included in the proposed budget. She explained that if the agreements are approved, they would be included as an amendment when the budget is presented for approval. Mayor Aitken inquired whether there is a State or national best practice for the percentage of a general fund budget allocated to labor costs versus direct services Director Moreno explained that there is no standard benchmark, noting that the appropriate ratio varies based on the City's service delivery model. She added that cities that rely more heavily on contracted services typically have a lower percentage of labor costs and higher expenditures for contracted services. Council Member Balius inquired whether the Resort revenues for Disney fees and Police and Fire include the ten officers and overtime. Director Moreno confirmed that the revenues account for any of the labor for those contracts, overtime, and full-time. Police Department Police Chief Manuel Cid stated that public safety is the City's highest priority, and every aspect of the Anaheim Police Department's (APD) work is focused on protecting life, safeguarding property, and preserving the quality of life our residents and visitors expect. He shared that as the Department strives to protect Anaheim, preserve community trust, and set the standard for the public safety profession, the Department maintains a sharp focus on preventing crime and responding effectively to emergencies, fostering and maintaining community trust and credibility, addressing quality -of -life challenges through coordinated partnership, and leveraging data and technology to address challenges proactively. Chief Cid reported that the proposed budget supports a total of 731 Police Department employees. He explained that it includes 431 sworn officers and 191 full-time professional staff, who collectively deliver the essential services the community depends on. He added that the budget includes 109 part-time employees, which equate to 76.33 full-time employees (FTEs). He stated that recruitment and retention remain critical as the Department works to maintain and increase staffing levels to meet the significant safety and service demands of the community, today, and in the future. He added that while not represented in the current proposed budget, a staffing plan was submitted to the City City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 6 of 52 Manager's Office that aims to right -size the Police Department over the coming years. He explained that the additional positions, particularly police officers, are critical in meeting the existing service demands of the entire community, as well as setting the foundation to ensure the Department is properly resourced for the future, including the upcoming LA28 events and the continued growth of the City's entertainment venues. He noted that in coordination with the City Manager's Office, the first phase of the staffing plan would be initiated later in FY 2026/27. Chief Cid reported that the Department's total proposed budget for FY 2026/27 is $249.9 million. He added that the operating budget accounts for 9.6% of the Citywide budget and 39.2% of the City's General Fund budget. He noted that the majority of the Department's budget is funded through the General Fund with additional support from other general-purpose funds, capital project funds, and special revenue such as grants. Chief Cid outlined the expenditures across the Department's six divisions including year -over -year changes, and included a 5.3% overall increase or $12.4 million from the FY 2025/26 adopted budget. He stated that a large portion of the increase was driven by contractual salary and benefit obligations, higher liability self-insurance costs, increased fleet replacement, facility rent, and information service charges. He added that additional increases reflect funding for a critical update to the Department's jail management system and the purchase of response vehicles for the Platinum Triangle area. He reported that the variances between the divisions reflect the Department's recent reorganization and the resulting reallocation of staffing and resources across the six divisions. He shared that since joining the Anaheim Police Department in late December, he has focused on assessing and prioritizing the Department's culture, structure, professionalism, allocation of resources, and service levels. He noted that to further those priorities, the Department has proactively implemented a Department re -organization, which took place earlier in the year, to further advance the City's mission, enhance operational effectiveness and fiscal efficiency, maximize the City's resources, and prepare the Department for long-term excellence and future growth. Chief Cid reported that labor costs account for 81 % of the Department's operating budget, reflecting the staffing required to provide 24/7 public safety services. He added that of the remaining 19%, approximately 13% is allocated to intergovernmental services. He stated that 6% funds all other operational needs, such as professional services, safety contracts, mandatory training, equipment procurement, and uniforms. He added that 1 % of the Department's total funds are allocated to debt service and capital outlay. Chief Cid reported that the Administration Division budget totals $41.6 million and represents 17% of the Department's budget. He shared that the Administration Division includes the Department's professional staff and encompasses key areas such as Records, Property and Evidence, Dispatch, and the Crime Analysis Unit. He added that the division manages essential functions, including Budget and Finance, Fleet, and Facilities. He noted that they also serve as a liaison to the City's Information Technology Services group. He reported that in preparation for the major events coming to the City and to enhance the Department's overall response to the City's major venues, FY 2026/27 Platinum Triangle Development Impact Fee funding would be used to procure several response vehicles. He explained that it includes a tactical armored response vehicle to ensure ballistic protection for personnel and civilians during high -risk incidents, including high-powered rifle threats, barricaded suspects, hostage rescues, active shooter responses, and counter -terrorism activities. He added that the funding would be used to purchase two (2) F-350 trucks to tow the Department's four mounted enforcement unit trailers, and two police interceptor units, a sedan, and a 15-passenger van to provide visibility and support patrol of the entertainment venues and the Platinum Triangle areas. Chief Cid reported that the Community Policing Division budget totals $29.1 million and represents 12% of the Department's budget. He shared that the Community Policing Division is responsible for City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 7 of 52 addressing quality of life issues across the City's districts. He noted that it includes addressing vagrancy and homelessness, mental health concerns, vice -related offenses and drug abuse, as well as fostering youth engagement through school resource officers and youth services. He added that the Division oversees the Resort Policing Section and the Community Policing Teams who work closely with crime analysts to ensure data -driven strategies are implemented to enhance safety and well-being throughout the community. He stated that the Division also oversees the Department's Volunteer Program, the Peer Support Team, and Chaplains. He noted that the Department recently completed the annual point -in -time count of Anaheim's unhoused populations. He added that due to the continued efforts of APD's HALO and PERT teams, and in collaboration with other City staff, there has been a reduction in the number of unsheltered individuals. Chief Cid stated that the Investigations Division budget totaled $34.9 million and represents 14% of the Department's budget. He shared that the Investigations Division was responsible for keeping Anaheim safe by conducting thorough follow-up investigations of crimes, including but not limited to homicides, major assaults, robberies, gang investigations, crimes involving human trafficking, fraud, economic crimes, auto thefts, burglaries, narcotic violations, and vandalism. He added that the division also included the Department's Forensic Unit, and the Orange County Family Justice Center, which is a multidisciplinary location that assists the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. He noted that the Department reinstated a full-time Narcotics unit within the Investigations Division. He shared that it is an important step in combating illegal narcotics use, sales, and trafficking in the City and region. Chief Cid reported that the Office of the Chief of Police's budget totals $26.5 million and represents 11 % of the Department's budget. He stated that the Office leads the Department's vision, strategy, and policy, provides daily oversight, and collaborates with City officials and community stakeholders to build public trust and pursue strategic and innovative ways to provide exceptional public safety services. He added that the Department's reorganization restored APD's overall structure back to two distinct bureaus, the Operations Bureau and the Supportive Services Bureau. He noted that the change serves to enhance command and control, operational efficiency, and restore a second Deputy Chief of Police, strengthening leadership and oversight across both bureaus. He reported that the Operations Bureau oversees the Patrol and Special Operations Divisions, and is responsible for the bureau's day-to-day operations, and ensures accountability through audits, inspections, compliance measures, critical incident reviews, and the internal affairs process. He added that the Support Services Bureau oversees the Community Policing, Investigations, and Administration Divisions, as well as focuses on hiring highly qualified staff, providing ongoing training and professional development, driving innovation, and supporting employee wellness. Chief Cid stated that the Patrol Division budget totaled $79.1 million and represents 32% of the Department's budget. He explained that the Patrol Division is the Department's largest division, responsible for 24/7 response to emergency and non -emergency calls for service. He reported that they ensure public safety by enforcing State and local laws, proactively impacting crime, and building trust with our community. He added that the Patrol Division includes Jail Operations, Field Training Officer (FTO) program, and Police Service Representatives teams, ensuring an effective and rapid police response. He noted that one of the most notable changes in the Department's re -organization was the prioritization of Patrol staffing, helping ensure a strong and visible police presence throughout the community, preventing crime, and improving response times to both emergency and non -emergency calls. He added that to further strengthen field supervision, a Lieutenant has been reassigned to Patrol to serve as the fifth watch commander, ensuring full-time leadership and fiscal responsibility by reducing reliance on overtime to fill the critical role. He explained that with the change, the patrol teams now benefit from dedicated leadership, helping to maintain high standards and accountability. He stated that the proposed FY 2026/27 budget allocates funding to upgrade the Department's West Substation on Beach Boulevard, preparing for future full-time deployment of patrol City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 8 of 52 personnel from the location, similar to the East Station model. He noted that the transition will enhance response times within the service area and provide increased visibility throughout West Anaheim. Chief Cid provided an overview of the Special Operations Division which totaled $35.5 million and represented 14% of the Department's budget. He reported that the Special Operations Division oversees Traffic Safety, which included motorcycle officers, traffic control assistants, and accident investigators. He added that the Division also manages the Entertainment and Emergency Management Section, which oversees the Special Events and Emergency Management Detail. He stated that the Division was also responsible for the Special Enforcement Section, which encompasses the Real -Time Crime Center, Air Support, K9, and the high -visibility Gang Suppression Detail, all of which contribute to our proactive and efficient policing. He added that the Division also oversees the Department's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Tactical Negotiation Unit (TNU), Mounted Unit, and Mobile Field Force. He reported that the re -organization reinstated a commercial traffic enforcement unit and a high -visibility full-time gang suppression unit. He noted that the units would serve to impact traffic safety throughout the City, and increase police presence in gang -impacted neighborhoods. He added that the Department initiated the pilot phase for a "Drone as a First Responder" program, designed to bridge the gap between the City's Air Support Unit and existing Drone program. He explained that the program not only serves to improve the public safety response and emergency preparedness, but also demonstrates the Department's commitment to innovation. Fire & Rescue Department Fire Chief Patrick Russell shared that the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department's mission is to ensure the safety and welfare of the public served through the core services provided. He explained that the Department suppresses fires, responds to calls for medical aid, works to reduce various risks in the community, and prepares City staff and the community for emergencies. He noted that the Department has been recognized for its excellence by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) and has earned a Class I rating, resulting in lower insurance rates for Anaheim businesses. Chief Russell provided an overview of the proposed budget, including 380 full-time positions. He noted that 250 of the positions, or 67%, are sworn fire suppression personnel. He reported that the remaining 130 positions are considered Civilian positions, which include 54 Ambulance Operators, 17 Community Risk Reduction Officers, and 35 dispatch and training positions, which are funded by the Metro Net and North Net Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs). Chief Russell reported that for FY 2026/27, Anaheim Fire and Rescue's total proposed budget was approximately $167 million or 6% of the total City budget. He stated that the Department's General Fund budget was approximately $148 million, or 25% of the City's General Fund. He noted that the remaining difference of $19 million is comprised of the City's JPA divisions and CIP projects. Chief Russell reported that the Department was comprised of five operating divisions. He shared that the proposed operating budget for the five divisions was approximately $148 million, an increase of 17% from last year. He explained that the increase was attributed to increased salary and burden costs, increased operating costs in the Support Services division to replace aging equipment, and increased GIS charges. He added that the proposed CIP budget was $7 million, a decrease of 62% from last year due to the Fire Station 12 CIP project entering its final construction phase. Chief Russell provided an overview of the four categories of the proposed budget. He stated that the budget was broken into four categories: labor, operating costs, debt service, and capital outlay. He noted that 75% of the budget was for labor, 22% for operating costs, and the remaining budget for capital outlay purposes and debt service. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 9 of 52 Chief Russell stated that the Fire Administration division was responsible for managing personnel, the budget, grants, strategic planning, and managing activities within the community including pop-up events about wildfire preparedness and other topics. He added that the proposed budget was $4.7 million, or 3% of the Department's operating budget. He highlighted Fire Administration's visit to Washington, D.C. in January. He shared that Anaheim Fire and Rescue provided testimony before a congressional hearing in support of H.R. 4038, the Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act. He explained that the legislation addresses the escalating forest health and wildfire crisis by establishing a standardized, nationwide response timeline for wildland fires. Chief Russell reported that the Operations Division is the core of the Department and responsible for firefighting, emergency medical services, and maintaining readiness for all emergencies. He shared that last year, Operations responded to over 45,000 calls for service, of which more than 84% were medical -related. He stated that the Operations division has a proposed budget of $123 million, or 83% of the Department's operating budget. He stated that the budget increase of $147 million, or 13.5% was attributed to the addition of six (6) Ambulance Operators to staff a new ambulance that would be located at Fire Station 4 and the addition of one (1) new Fire Captain for the Training section, and the reclassification of an existing vacant position to a second Fire Captain to serve as the Program Manager for the new Wildland Handcrew program. He added that the dedicated program would support Citywide wildfire risk reduction, including prevention, fuels management, and emergency response operations. He highlighted the newly launched Advanced Provider Response Unit (APRU), the first fire department -based program of its kind in Orange County. He explained that the APRU pairs a Nurse Practitioner with a Paramedic Fire Captain, allowing the unit to provide field - based clinical assessment, harm reduction services, substance use disorder intervention, and behavioral health support among other services. He added that the APRU helps address the underlying factors contributing to repeated emergency service utilization and supports improved patient outcomes. Chief Russell reported that the Operations division was supported by two JPAs, Metro Net and North Net. He explained that Metro Net continued to improve its operational readiness by leveraging technology. He shared that Metro Net started a complete 911 system upgrade with AT&T. He added that the project was 100% grant funded by CalOES and would completely replace and modernize the hardware and dispatch software used to receive and route emergency calls. He noted that CommsCoach, an AI -powered, cloud -based platform, was implemented and designed for 911 emergency communication centers to improve quality assurance, training, and real-time call guidance. He reported that North Net completed capital expenditure as well as field and plant improvement projects, including the purchase of a new Air Track Management Prop to enhance Fire Suppression Training by providing firefighters with realistic, hands-on experience in controlling and managing live fire scenarios. He added that there were upgrades to classroom equipment that have modernized the learning environment. Chief Russell stated that the Support Services division was responsible for maintaining all fire stations, fire equipment, and vehicles; helping oversee the Department's CIP projects; and managing fire technology projects. He reported that the Support Services division has a proposed budget of $10.6 million, or 7% of the Department's operating budget. He shared that the budget increase of $1.6 million, or 17%, is attributed to increased labor costs due to labor contract increases, purchases of new vehicles, and planned replacement of cardiac monitors which have reached the end of their useful life. He highlighted the Fire Station 4 remodeling project. He noted that construction started in June 2025 and is scheduled for completion in July 2026. He stated that Fire Station 4 was remodeled to accommodate the size of a modern fire apparatus. Chief Russell reported that the Community Risk Reduction Division is comprised of the Life Safety, Planning & Development, and Hazardous Materials Sections. He noted that Community Risk City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 10 of 52 Reduction protects residents and visitors through education, enforcement, and engineering, while providing inspection and mitigation services for new construction, wildfires, and special events. He reported that the Division has a proposed budget of $8.3 million, or 6% of the Department's operating budget. He shared that the budget increase of $908,000, or 12%, was attributed to increased labor costs due to labor contract increases and the purchase of a new vehicle. He highlighted the recent implementation of electronic plan review searches. He added that with workloads tripling over the last decade, the shift to digital workflows improves efficiency, transparency, and interdepartmental tracking. He noted that new customer features include QR codes for inspection requests and online payments. Chief Russell reported that the Emergency Management and Preparedness Division is responsible for maintaining the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), supporting City homeland security objectives and providing emergency training for staff, residents, businesses, and volunteers, and coordinating the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) team and the "RACES" volunteers, who provide radio support during emergencies. He added that the Emergency Management and Preparedness Division has a proposed budget of approximately $1.1 million, or 1 % of the Department's operating budget. He highlighted the Division's continual support for Community Preparedness. He noted that the Division graduated 60 residents who completed the CERT training program and partnered with Project S.A.Y. to expand teen preparedness, providing hands-on first aid, CPR, and Stop the Bleed training, and the first Teen Preparedness Workshop attended by 25 young adults. Chief Russell stated that following land procurement, strategic planning for a new Fire Station 13 continues to move forward. He added that to address significant manufacturing lead times, the Department has proactively secured a spot in the production queue for a new Fire Station 13 engine, requiring no funding until delivery. He shared that once opened as part of the Anaheim Strategic Plan, Fire Station 13 would significantly reduce emergency response times. Community Services Department Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash reported that the Community Services Department is made up of five divisions consisting of Golf, Libraries, Parks and Capital, Recreation, and Human and Neighborhood Services. She stated that Community Services is proposing a budget with 103 full-time employees and 209 full-time equivalent part-time employees. She noted that there is no increase to full-time staff and a small increase to part-time. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Department's proposed budget is $103.6 million. She stated that the various funding sources that support the budget are made up of the General Fund, Capital Funds, and Enterprise funds. She added that the Department's budget makes up 4% of the total City budget and 10.3% of the City's General Fund budget. Director Larson -Cash stated that the proposed Department budget is $103.6 million with an operating budget of $78.8 million. She reported that the General Fund allocation for the operating budget is $58.6 million with the remainder in other non -capital operating funds. She added that the Capital Improvement budget is $24.8 million and supports all other capital projects planned for the upcoming year. She outlined the new funding for labor increases, additional park ranger patrols focused on park restrooms, additional funding for increased costs in Park Landscape Maintenance, and gap funding for two library maintenance projects. She reported that the proposed budget of $103.6 million was comprised of 45% personnel costs, 55% other operating expenses, and less than 1 % for capital outlay, and debt service. Director Larson -Cash stated that the Human and Neighborhood Services division operates with a budget of $9.6 million. She explained that the variance in other operating was due to grant funding for City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 11 of 52 the Senior Mobility Transportation and Mobile Family Resource Center programs, which would be carried over in the next fiscal year. She noted that Human and Neighborhood Services supports the stability and well-being of Anaheim's youth, families, older adults, and neighborhoods. She shared that the Older Adults Program fosters social engagement to reduce isolation, in partnership with over 100 local organizations, offering health and wellness programs tailored to older adults. She added that to support those efforts, the Senior Mobility Transportation Program provided over 21,000 bus rides. She reported that this year, Community Services filled a gap in service by expanding the hot meal program for older adults to include both the Downtown and East Anaheim Community Centers. She stated that in partnership with Caterina's Club, the City is now serving an additional 800 hot meals each week. She added that Human Services continues to facilitate the Contigo Emergency Assistance program for those affected by immigration enforcement, providing economic relief to 338 Anaheim residents to date. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Library Division budget was $20.5 million and consists of 7 branch libraries, Heritage Services, Founders Park, Mobile Library Services, and Books on the Go. She shared that during FY 2025/26, libraries received over 2,300 responses to their Community Survey to help shape programming and to better understand the needs, interests, and priorities for the future. She noted that libraries continued their accessibility initiative by launching a Braille collection, providing magnifiers for computer screens at each branch, and creating Sensory Support Kits to help support self -regulation. She stated that The Link Labs at Haskett Library officially opened last October, providing a space of creativity and collaboration for local makers and future entrepreneurs. She added that since the Labs opened, nearly 800 people have been utilizing the space. She shared that over 144,000 people have enjoyed special events and programs at the Libraries such as the 3rd annual Native Art Festival, Korean Culture Day, and Spinal Dread: Horror Literature and Culture Festival. Director Larson -Cash provided an overview of the $16.1 million Golf Operations budget. She noted that the budget is a fully self -supported Enterprise fund. She stated that Anaheim has two beautiful golf courses with Dad Miller on the west side and Anaheim Hills in the East that serve as community assets. She noted that golf programs include daily golf, tournaments, junior golf, lessons, restaurants, and banquet services. She reported that over 173,000 rounds of golf have been played, an increase of 5% over the previous year. She noted that there are over 2,300 player -club members between the two courses, an increase of over 16% from last year. She highlighted the addition of Toptracer Driving Range Technology at Anaheim Hills while a redesign of the 151h hole at Dad Miller was completed, turning it into a lakeside par-3. Director Larson -Cash reported that the Parks budget was $16.8 million and committed to providing clean and safe parks, trails, and recreational facilities. She noted that the Parks Division maintains 68 parks spanning over 475 acres plus an additional 325 acres of natural parks and trails. She added that the 64 playgrounds, including the newest addition at Maxwell Park, promote physical activity, social development, and healthy lifestyles for children and families of all abilities. She noted that parks are valuable amenities that enhance the quality of life in the community. She reported that in FY 2025/26, over 20 park improvement projects were completed, including installation of restroom stall doors at seven (7) parks. She added that playground surfacing was replaced at Circle and Sage Parks. She noted that athletic field renovations, landscaping improvements, and playground upgrades were also completed in various parks throughout the City. She shared that sport court renovations were also completed at Olive Hills Tennis Courts and Twila Reid pickleball courts, Director Larson -Cash stated that Recreation Services operates with an annual budget of $145 million, supporting a wide range of programs and activities. She noted that the services are accessible to residents of all ages and are delivered in parks, community centers, and neighborhoods Citywide. She shared that increases in the budget include the addition of Park Ranger patrols focused on park City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 12 of 52 restrooms to ensure additional safety in the parks. She highlighted the newly formed Interdepartmental Public Art Committee. She noted that the Committee expanded the City's creative resources by approving murals on private property as part of the Public Art Plan and added qualified muralists to the artist register. She shared that the Oak Canyon Nature Center would be celebrating 50 years in the summer, with special activities and commemorative giveaways planned. She added that Youth Programs continue to operate afterschool programming in the community, inviting department partners like Police to the Fun on Wheels neighborhood sites. Director Larson -Cash shared that the City continues to invest in the City's parks by adding new facilities and improving existing amenities. She noted that the mural at Center Greens was completed and viewable from all areas of the park. She reported that a new playground was built in one day at Maxwell Park with volunteers completing the 18th KABOOM project. She highlighted the exciting addition of the Rio Vista Park Restroom building replacement and installation of a shade structure and picnic tables that would be utilized by the STARS afterschool program and residents enjoying picnics in the park. She shared that two permanent pickleball courts were added to the Olive Hills tennis courts and dog park in an area that was underutilized. Director Larson -Cash reported that key projects for the upcoming year include the construction of a new skatepark at Boysen Park, marking the first phase of a broader park renovation. She shared that construction is scheduled to begin in late summer and is funded by a State grant and developer fees. She noted that construction on River Park, Anaheim's 69th park, was scheduled to begin in the Fall with an anticipated opening in mid-2027. She added that the project would be fully funded with grant funding from various sources. She reported that the City's 3rd splash pad was coming to Brookhurst Park with construction underway. She added that with no delays, the splash pad was expected to open in late summer, operating during the hottest months of the year. She noted that additional playground replacements are scheduled for Chaparral, Walnut Grove, Eucalyptus, and Peralta Parks. She reported that Libraries are receiving funding to complete two capital projects, a new roof at Haskett Library and an HVAC replacement at Sunkist. She shared that the projects received partial grant funding and, with additional City funds, would be completed in FY 2026/27. She added that as part of the OCVIBE improvements, Meadow Park would transform the approximate 5-acre parking lot outside of ARTIC into Anaheim's 70th public park. She shared that Meadow Park would include walking paths, playgrounds, terraced picnic areas, art, and other park amenities. She stated that design documents were under development and construction was anticipated to begin next year with completion scheduled before the 2028 Olympics. Director Larson -Cash concluded that Anaheim Community Services is committed to serving the people of Anaheim through parks, golf, libraries, cultural events, recreation programs, and human and neighborhood services. She shared that staff works every day to enrich lives, build connections, and create opportunities. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken inquired how many officers would be permanently stationed at the West Anaheim location. Chief Cid clarified that the proposed West Station was a geographic redistribution of existing personnel, not an increase in staffing. He stated that approximately 40 to 50 officers would report to the West Station to start their shifts for briefing and deployment into their assigned patrol districts, operating in the same manner as the Main Station and the Canyon Station. In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Cid stated that the Department currently has 731 sworn officers and shared that approximately 20 to 25 sworn positions annually is a realistic and sustainable growth target. He explained that the estimate was based on historical hiring trends of about 35 new sworn hires per year while accounting for normal attrition due to retirements and other departures. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 13 of 52 Mayor Aitken requested additional information on the costs for the Fire Station 13 project, including potential costs for the building and any additional staffing. Chief Russell estimated that constructing a new fire station would cost approximately $20 million for the building alone, excluding fire apparatus and other associated expenses. He explained that once operational, the station would require staffing of 12 firefighters per shift, with additional costs for personnel and equipment beyond the construction budget. In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Russell clarified that the estimated $20 million applies to construction of the fire station and does not include staffing costs. He noted that staff would pursue funding opportunities including grants, to help offset staff costs. He noted that grant funds were used to fund Fire Engines 10 and 12. Council Member Kurtz inquired whether the Police Department had a plan to reduce the current Priority 1 emergency response time of 6 minutes and 37 seconds, noting that the proposed budget did not include additional sworn officer positions. Chief Cid stated that reducing Priority 1 emergency response times is both a short-term and long- term priority. He noted that following a 2025 departmental reorganization that shifted existing personnel into patrol, the Department has improved Priority 1 response times by approximately 45 to 46 seconds. He stated that the long-term goal was to achieve sub -five-minute Priority 1 response times through continued staffing growth and the geographic deployment of officers across the Main, West, and East stations. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Chief Russell explained that the weed abatement ground crew would establish year-round weed abatement services while creating a crew to assist with wildfire suppression. He noted that the proposal includes reclassifying an existing vacant position to a captain to develop the program, with plans to add non -sworn weed abatement personnel dedicated to vegetation management and wildfire prevention. Chief Russell reported that similar to the City's Ambulance Program and Fire Cadets, the program would recruit from within the City and provide a market for ground crew staff to transition to a firefighter position or other career goals within the community. In response to Council Member Balius, Chief Cid confirmed that the West Station will require remodeling before it can be placed into service and stated that the project is planned to move forward in the near future. Council Member Balius expressed support for funding the West Station, noting that it would improve public safety, increase patrol presence in West Anaheim, and help reduce response time. He requested additional information on budget variances showing decreased services alongside increased labor costs within the Department's Administration and Support services. Chief Cid explained that the budget variances between divisions primarily reflect the Department's organizational reorganization and the reallocation of existing staff among the six divisions. He added that the proposed budget does not include increases in staffing or labor costs, and some administrative budget changes are attributable to grant funding adjustments. Council Member Balius thanked Chief Cid and Chief Russell for the presentations. He thanked the Community Services Department for their work and their budgeting process for the services the Department provides. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 14 of 52 Council Member Maahs requested additional information on the benefits for residents of a second Deputy Police Chief. Chief Cid stated that adding the second Deputy Chief position restores the Department's leadership structure following its recent reorganization by strengthening command and control, oversight, professionalism, accountability, and organizational management. He stated that Anaheim's size and workload warrant additional executive leadership and that the position would establish the organizational framework needed to support future growth in sworn staffing. Council Member Maahs inquired how long it would take to recruit, train, and deploy a new police officer for active duty. Chief Cid explained that approximately 50% of the department's sworn hires are lateral officers transferring from other law enforcement agencies. He noted that lateral hires typically complete several weeks of onboarding followed by 20 to 30 weeks of field training, allowing them to become operational in approximately four to six months. He reported that new recruits with no prior law enforcement experience attend a six-month police academy followed by approximately six months of field training, requiring one year before becoming fully operational. In response to Council Member Maahs, Chief Russell clarified that the Nurse Practitioner program utilizes five contract nurse practitioners, each working one to two days per week, rather than a single practitioner. He noted that the team conducts repeated outreach visits to build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, provides on -site medical care when appropriate to reduce the need for hospital visits, and works toward connecting individuals with short-term and long-term housing and supportive care. He added that while there is some overlap with other outreach programs, the program serves a distinct role focused on medical services and long-term engagement. Council Member Maahs inquired if the nurse practitioners can administer medication. Chief Russell explained that the contract nurse practitioners can provide limited medical services, including suturing, administering antibiotics, and prescribing certain medications. He stated that the services address immediate health needs for individuals who may otherwise avoid seeking medical care, helping build trust, and supporting efforts to connect them with improved living conditions and long-term housing. Council Member Maahs shared that the proposed budget reflects concerns that she has received and forwarded to staff, including regarding bathrooms at City parks and increased patrols. Council Member Rubalcava thanked staff for their work preparing the budget and commended the Community Services Department for successfully expanding library hours as previously directed by Council. She requested additional information on the Department's staffing model, noting the difference between full-time and part-time employees, and requested information on opportunities to increase full-time positions to enhance service delivery and improve community programs. Director Larson -Cash explained that the Community Services Department strategically relies on part- time employees to maximize available funding and provide a broad range of services. She added that while additional full-time positions would improve staffing stability, consistency, and service delivery, part-time staffing provides flexibility to meet fluctuating operational needs, including evening and weekend programming. She noted that an effective balance of both staffing models is necessary to meet departmental service demands. Council Member Rubalcava inquired if the weed abatement ground crew funding was included in the budget. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 15 of 52 Chief Russell stated that the proposed budget requests funding for a Superintendent or Manager position to establish and oversee the program. He noted that staff plans to return to Council during the mid -year budget process to seek funding for an initial ten hand crew technicians, with the long- term goal of building the program to 20 full-time and 10 part-time positions as recruitment and training progress. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Russell estimated that implementing the hand crew would require $2 million to $2.5 million, with significant one-time setup costs for equipment and vehicles. He stated that the newly proposed captain would prioritize pursuing grant and reimbursement opportunities, including Job Corps and other funding sources, to help offset implementation costs. Council Member Rubalcava highlighted the program to assist with fire prevention in District 6. She requested additional information on the Department's reimbursement programs, enterprise -style operations, and the revenue the Department generated. Chief Russell explained that the Department participates in the California Master Mutual Aid System and the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA), which provide reimbursement when personnel, apparatus, or command staff are deployed to emergency incidents, primarily wildfires. He reported that reimbursements cover overtime, backfill staffing, and an administrative cost recovery rate, allowing the City to largely offset deployment expenses. He noted that the proposed hand crew would also be eligible for reimbursement under the same agreement when deployed to qualifying incidents. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Russell stated that implementation of the hand crew would take approximately one to one -and -a -half years, with one year representing an aggressive timeline. He explained that personnel must first complete required firefighting and weed abatement training, with partnerships being explored through local community colleges and support from Department personnel with prior hand crew and hotshot experience. He noted that procurement of specialized crew vehicles is expected to take 18 months or two years, making full implementation and cost recovery dependent on completing sequential milestones. Council Member Rubalcava inquired if the hand crew could assist with preparation for other natural disasters. Chief Russell explained that the proposed hand crew program is envisioned as a flexible workforce similar to programs operated by other fire departments. He reported that in addition to weed abatement and wildfire support, the crew could assist with emergency response activities such as sandbagging during floods, debris removal following earthquakes, and other labor-intensive projects that benefit the community. He stated that the goal is to create a resource that can support a wide range of City needs during emergencies and other public service projects. Council Member Rubalcava requested additional information on reimbursement revenue for overtime, for Fire, Police, and other City services, and how it is accounted for in the budget. She questioned whether the reimbursements are credited back to department budgets and noted that budget discussions focus on departmental costs rather than generated revenue. Interim City Manager Garcia explained that overtime reimbursements vary depending on the program and funding source, with reimbursement levels differing by activity, particularly within the Fire Department. He added that all reimbursement revenue is returned to the General Fund to help offset departmental operating expenses and costs. Council Member Rubalcava requested that staff provide a report before budget adoption showing the amount of reimbursement revenue received for public safety services to better reflect the offsetting City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 16 of 52 revenues generated by Fire, Police, and other operations. She expressed support for advancing Fire Station 13, noting the recent acquisition of the project site, and asked whether the City could begin funding the project incrementally, such as through annual investments, to initiate planning and avoid delaying construction for several years. Chief Russell stated that the City has already taken an initial step by securing a place in the manufacturer's production queue for a new Type 1 fire engine. He noted that delivery is expected to take approximately three years and payment would not be due until delivery. He added that beginning preliminary work for Fire Station 13, including architectural design, surveys, and other preconstruction activities, which would require significantly less funding than full construction. He estimated that initial planning efforts would cost approximately $200,000 to $300,000 and would position the project to proceed more quickly once construction funding is available. Council Member Rubalcava requested that staff return with a plan to incorporate the proposed hand crew program into future implementation efforts, emphasizing the need to address overgrown open space and neighborhood blight in District 3. She encouraged staff to begin developing the program proactively rather than delaying implementation. Interim City Manager Garcia expressed support for the proposed hand crew program, stating that the budget includes the critical first step of funding key positions needed to establish the program. He noted that staff anticipates returning at mid -year to request additional funding to accelerate implementation and affirmed that any opportunities to advance the program sooner would be evaluated. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Interim City Manager Garcia stated that the proposed timeline for implementing the hand crew program is appropriate given the need to establish the program, procure vehicles, recruit personnel, and complete training. He confirmed that Fire Station 13 remains a priority, noting that the City has secured the property and initiated planning for necessary apparatus. He stated that the project would be considered as part of the City's strategic planning and long-term capital funding discussions, with the goal of developing a financing plan to advance construction as soon as feasible. Chief Russell noted that through collaboration with the Finance Department and City Manager's Office, a portion of fire incident reimbursement revenue has been allocated to a dedicated replacement account. He noted that the fund has been used to finance critical capital needs, including cardiac monitors, firefighter turnout gear, and equipment for new fire engines, reducing the need for budget adjustments and providing a sustainable funding source for major equipment replacements. Council Member Rubalcava requested additional information on the Office of the Chief of Police's responsibilities and budget reductions in that division. Chief Cid explained that the budget variances reflect the department's organizational restructuring rather than actual spending reductions. He added that some apparent decreases are attributable to grant -funded programs, which fluctuate from year to year depending on available State and other external funding sources. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Cid explained that the Special Operations Division provides specialized support to patrol operations, including air support, traffic enforcement, motor officers, and commercial vehicle enforcement. He noted that additional existing personnel were reallocated to the Traffic Section to improve traffic safety and support major events at the Honda Center and Angel Stadium. He highlighted the establishment of a Gang Suppression Unit, created City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 17 of 52 through the reallocation of existing staff, to provide consistent enforcement, visible police presence, and community engagement in neighborhoods impacted by gang activity. Council Member Rubalcava inquired whether Special Operations includes coverage at Disney. Chief Cid reported that the Special Operations Division budget did not include coverage at Disney. He stated that the coverage is included in the Community Policing Division. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Cid stated that under the City's agreement with Disney, Disney fully reimburses the Police Department for the full cost of personnel assigned to the Resort District policing team, including salary and benefits, as well as all contract -authorized overtime expenses. He reported that the unit is authorized for up to 12 core team members and one lieutenant, with 10 officers currently assigned, and relies heavily on overtime to meet the required staffing levels and service demands. Council Member Rubalcava asked whether the Police Department has discussed increasing the number of Disney -funded, fully reimbursed officer positions under its contract to Disney to reduce reliance on overtime and improve officers' quality of life by minimizing mandatory overtime assignments. Chief Cid stated that increasing Disney -funded staffing is a top departmental priority and is included in ongoing staffing plan discussions with the City Manager and Disney leadership. He explained that the goal was to establish a more sustainable staffing model, improve service consistency in the Resort District, reduce mandatory overtime for officers, and lessen the department's operational reliance on overtime to provide core police services. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Interim City Manager Garcia confirmed that staff could provide a memo detailing reimbursements year over year in comparison to the budget for Police Department overtime. Council Member Rubalcava asked staff to explain the proposed funding for vehicles supporting the Police Department's Mounted Unit, including the cost of the allocation and how horses have historically been transported before the purchase of new equipment. Chief Cid explained that the proposed budget was to replace aging vehicles, including trailers for transport of the horses, that were over their shelf life. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Cid explained that the proposed transport vehicles would allow officers assigned to major event venues to report to a secure police station before being shuttled to their assignments, eliminating the need to drive and park personal vehicles at event sites. He added that the vehicles are also intended to support operational planning for 2028, when the Department expects to transport hundreds of officers daily to and from venues during major regional events. Council Member Rubalcava inquired whether the 25 additional officers were included in the proposed budget. Chief Cid clarified that the 25 additional officers were included in the staffing plan forwarded to the City Manager's Office and not included in the proposed budget. Interim City Manager Garcia stated that staff is working with the Finance Department and the Police Chief to refine the budget and resolve funding details. He added that although additional positions are City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 18 of 52 not reflected in the current proposed budget, he expressed confidence that additional police staffing would be added during the fiscal year. Council Member Rubalcava encouraged staff to pursue agreements with Disney and OCVIBE that ensure the organizations pay their fair share of public safety costs as operations expand. He emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate police staffing for neighborhood patrol and emergency response while supporting Resort and entertainment district operations. Mayor Pro Tern Leon expressed appreciation to staff for the presentation. He requested confirmation that staffing for the HALO (Homeless Assistance Liaison Officers) Team would remain consistent with no reductions. Chief Cid confirmed that there were no staffing reductions to the HALO Team. He stated that while the unit has been maintained at its current staffing level, expanding it is a future priority and would be considered as the Department grows and additional resources become available. Mayor Pro Tern Leon expressed appreciation for the Department's continued support of homelessness response efforts. He requested additional information regarding the Drone as a First Responder program, including how the program operates and whether the drones are used for surveillance. Chief Cid explained that the Drone as First Responder program deploys drones in response to calls for service rather than for general surveillance. He reported that drones are launched from designated City facilities by personnel in the Real -Time Crime Center and can arrive over incident locations within seconds to provide situational awareness, improve response times, enhance officer and public safety, and, in some cases, resolve incidents without requiring an officer to respond. He emphasized that drones are used only for public safety responses in public spaces and are not used to conduct general surveillance or monitor private property In response to Mayor Pro Tern Leon, Chief Cid stated that the Drone as a First Responder program was currently focused primarily on responding to calls for service but noted that the Department was exploring appropriate proactive uses of the technology, such as supporting targeted public safety operations, including Fourth of July fireworks enforcement. He emphasized that any expanded use of drones would be governed by established policies, oversight, legal requirements, and respect for individuals' constitutional rights and privacy protections. Mayor Pro Tern Leon expressed support for using the West Anaheim Police Station as a patrol deployment location, citing anticipated improvements to response times in West Anaheim. He inquired whether the planned remodel would utilize the existing substation space or require expansion into other areas of the adjacent community center. Chief Cid explained that the West Anaheim Police Station would be remodeled using the Department's existing space and would not expand into the adjacent community center. He noted that planned improvements include reconfiguring the current space to better support patrol operations, adding locker room facilities, and expanding secure parking, while preserving the community center's existing footprint and operations. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Leon, Chief Cid estimated the West Station would be completed in 2027. Mayor Pro Tern Leon thanked Community Services staff for their contributions to the Anaheim Contigo program, recognizing the Department's role in responding to residents' inquiries and City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 19 of 52 providing community support. He inquired how many Park Ranger positions are proposed to be added as part of the budget. Director Larson -Cash stated that the proposed budget would nearly double the number of Park Rangers, adding approximately four additional rangers in the field. She noted that the expanded staffing would focus on improving safety in parks, with an emphasis on monitoring park restrooms, addressing unauthorized camping, and other safety concerns, while increasing overall park patrols. Mayor Pro Tern Leon requested additional information on Park Ranger training and the process for addressing incidents with the Police Department. Director Larson -Cash confirmed that she would follow up with the normal procedures for training. She added that the Park Rangers have a direct line of communication with the Police Department through 800 MHz radios. Mayor Pro Tem Leon reiterated support for maintaining affordable fees for Anaheim residents using the Dad Miller Golf Course as the City continues negotiations with the County of Orange regarding the facility's agreement. Council Member Meeks asked whether the proposed budget includes the staffing necessary to implement the planned transition of homeless -related calls to be routed through the City's dispatch system, noting that the initiative remains a work in progress. Chief Cid responded that the proposed budget does not include staffing or funding to implement the routing of homeless -related calls through the City's dispatch system. He noted that discussion regarding the initiative have been ongoing but that no resources have been allocated to advance the effort in the current budget. Council Member Meeks stated that creating a single 24-hour number for homelessness -related calls remains an important goal and expressed concern that the current hotline's limited operating hours can delay responses. Interim City Manager Garcia stated that he would work with the departments to implement a plan. Chief Cid clarified that the previous year's budget included some full-time positions related to the homelessness call -routing initiative. He committed to providing the Council with an update outlining the program's current status and identifying any remaining staffing or resource gaps. In response to Council Member Meeks, Chief Cid clarified the funding was provided in the prior year's budget. Council Member Meeks expressed support for the proposed hand crew program, noting that the cost would be significantly less than the expense of responding to a major wildfire. She inquired whether the City could begin ordering the required vehicles immediately, given the estimated 18-month delivery timeline, to help accelerate implementation of the program. Chief Russell stated that vehicle cost estimates have been submitted to support future budget planning and that the department is proactively exploring options to accelerate implementation of the hand crew program. He noted that temporary leased vehicles could be used until permanent vehicles are delivered and that the Department also monitored opportunities to acquire available vehicles from other agencies to reduce procurement delays. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 20 of 52 In response to Council Member Meeks, Chief Russell responded that the department would use temporary transportation solutions, including existing pickup trucks, to ensure crews can begin operations while awaiting delivery of permanent vehicles. Council Member Meeks commended Community Services staff for the noticeable improvements in the condition of the City's golf courses and parks, as well as the increased sense of safety in public parks. She recognized these improvements as a collaborative effort across multiple City departments and thanked staff for their work in enhancing these important community amenities. At 5:22 p.m., Mayor Aitken concluded the Workshop and proceeded with the regular City Council meeting. INVOCATION: Dr. Joseph Gichuhi, Morning Star Victory Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Ryan Balius PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Nathan Enriquez District 5 resident for his Mater Dei Varsity Soccer accomplishments Mayor Aitken recognized District 5 resident Nathan Enriquez for his soccer achievements. She shared that he was named the Trinity League defensive MVP and played a key role in an incredible season for Mater Dei High School. She noted that he was on the Varsity Soccer Team and highlighted the Team's accomplishments including, Trinity League Champions, CIF Southern Section Open Division Champions, CIF State Southern Regional Champions, Division 1 CIF California State Champions, National Champions, and ranking number one in the Country. She stated that the accomplishments reflect not only exceptional athletic talent, but also dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. She congratulated Nathan, the entire Mater Dei Varsity Soccer Team, the Mater Dei coaching staff, and the parents and families who support the team. Nathan Enriquez thanked the Mayor and City Council for the recognition and expressed gratitude to his family, parents, and coaches for their support, guidance and encouragement throughout the season. Recognizing South Jr. High School Leadership for their 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence Mayor Aitken recognized South Junior High School for earning the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the State's highest recognition for outstanding civic education. She stated that South Junior High was selected from over 112 schools that submitted applications demonstrating an exceptional commitment to preparing students to become informed, engaged, and responsible leaders at a time when civic participation and community involvement are more important than ever. She shared that the award recognizes schools that successfully combine civic learning into their school values. She explained that students can prepare two -minute speeches that have to call to action on their important social issues and can speak on issues they're passionate about in a public platform during Soap Box Night. She added that students receive meaningful classroom instruction, student -led projects, service opportunities, and programs that encourage students to actively engage with their communities and with their local government. She noted that the achievement reflects the dedication of South Junior High's amazing administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families who create an environment where civic leadership is valued and can thrive. South Junior High Principal Yolanda Mejia thanked the Mayor and City Council for recognizing the school's achievement and expressed appreciation for the City's ongoing support. She acknowledged the staff and students whose efforts contributed to the Civic Learning Award. She invited her City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 21 of 52 colleagues, Mr. Caller and Mr. Poggio, to provide additional remarks about the award and the work involved. Mr. Poggio emphasized that the Civic Learning Award reflects the collective efforts of staff, administrators, and students, highlighting that student engagement and elevating student voice are central to the program and help prepare future community leaders. Mr. Caller emphasized the importance of providing students with a strong civic education and highlighted the school's commitment to civic engagement through partnerships with local and State government. He encouraged community involvement in civic learning and expressed pride in the school's efforts to prepare students for active participation in their communities. ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS To be presented at a later date Recognizing June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day Recognizing June 2026, as Pride Month Recognizing June 2026, as Immigrant Heritage Month ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that staff requested to remove Item No. 17 from the agenda and continue the item to the June 23, 2026 City Council meeting, and announced that Item No. 27 was withdrawn by Council Member Kurtz. Council Member Kurtz announced that she was proud to work on the ordinance for Item No. 27 with Mayor Aitken. She shared that she and Mayor Aitken had spoken to the grocers and workers and based on the feedback received, it was determined that additional revisions to the ordinance language are needed. PUBLIC COMMPrior to receipt of public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided an outline of procedures for public comments, notice of translation services, and a brief decorum statement. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of twenty-one (21) public comments were received electronically prior to 2:00 P.M. [A final total of twenty-nine (29) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. R. Joshua Collins urged the City Council to prioritize compassionate responses to homelessness, including expanding affordable housing and shelter opportunities rather than increasing enforcement. He expressed concern about stricter camping enforcement policies, increased arrests of individuals experiencing homelessness, and the treatment of homeless individuals' personal property. He questioned why the City did not receive certain State homelessness funding and encouraged continued police training and mental health evaluations to improve interactions with the public, referencing the death of Albert Arzola. Bulmaro Vicente with CHISPA expressed support for Item No. 27 and recognized the advocacy of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324 in advancing worker protections for self - checkouts. He expressed solidarity with the family of Albert Arzola and called for the release of the audio and video recordings related to his death. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and justice. Vern Nelson commented on Item No. 8 regarding the Boysen Park Skate Park Project. He advocated for a local rent stabilization ordinance and described his efforts collecting signatures for a proposed City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 22 of 52 rent control initiative. He urged the City Council to adopt stronger tenant protections without requiring a ballot measure, and called for enforcement of existing tenant protection laws regarding rent increases and evictions. He requested a report on the City's enforcement efforts. He concluded by calling for justice for Albert Arzola. Donna Acevedo Nelson addressed Item No. 8 and expressed support for the proposed skate park improvements at Boysen Park. She shared that the improvements would benefit youth in the community. She shared concerns regarding her family's interactions with the Anaheim Police Department following the death of her son, alleging harassment and retaliation. She criticized the Police Department's use of social media and expressed concern that posts depicting individuals in crisis were inappropriate and called for change to posting practices. Mazatl Tepehyolotzin expressed support for Item No. 8 and recommended placing the skate park in a highly visible area with security cameras to enhance safety. He suggested incorporating Native American history and community gathering spaces into the project. He supported drought -tolerant landscaping, and encouraged continued recognition of Indigenous history and culture within the community. Jose Perez, President of the UFCW Local 324, expressed disappointment that the proposed self - checkout ordinance had been removed from the agenda. He spoke on behalf of the union's members, and urged the City Council to adopt a self -checkout ordinance establishing a maximum one -to -three employee ratio at self -checkout stations. He stated that the standard would improve worker safety, reduce theft, and maintain customer service while allowing the responsible use of self - checkout technology. Linda Molina, a grocery worker and Long Beach resident, spoke in support of the proposed self - checkout ordinance. She shared her experience following the adoption of a similar policy in Long Beach. She noted that limiting the number of self -checkout stations supervised by each employee has reduced workplace stress, improved customer service, deterred theft, and better accommodated senior customers. She urged the City Council to adopt a similar ordinance in Anaheim. Kim Morgan De La Paz, a grocery store employee with 48 years of experience, including 23 years at an Anaheim Ralph's location, expressed support for the proposed self -checkout ordinance. She described the challenges of supervising six (6) self -checkout stations while assisting customers with other duties. She explained that the workload creates stress, reduces customer service, and limits effective oversight. She urged the City Council to adopt the ordinance to limit the number of self - checkout stations supervised by each employee, improve customer service, and reduce theft. Gladys Gonzalez spoke in support of the proposed self -checkout ordinance. She stated that limited front-end staffing contributes to increased theft, creates safety concerns for employees, and reduces customer service. She urged the City Council to adopt the ordinance to ensure dedicated staffing for self -checkout areas, improve workplace safety, and enhance customer service. Yvonne Schroeder expressed support for the proposed self -checkout ordinance. She noted that although the store she works at does not currently use self -checkout, she stated that employees at other stores have described the difficulty of supervising multiple self -checkout stations while performing additional customer service duties. She urged the City Council to adopt a one employee to three self -checkout stations standard, stating that it would improve working conditions, enhance customer service, and better balance operational efficiency with community needs. Oscar Borrayo shared his support for the proposed self -checkout ordinance, stating that adequate employee staffing is necessary to promote workplace safety, maintain quality customer service, and preserve local jobs. He urged the City Council to adopt the ordinance to ensure self -checkout City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 23 of 52 technology is implemented responsibly while prioritizing the needs of workers, customers, and the community. Virginia Russell, a Ralphs employee, spoke in support of the proposed self -checkout ordinance. She stated that employees are often required to supervise too many self -checkout stations while assisting customers, resolving transaction issues, verifying age -restricted purchases, and monitoring theft, creating safety concerns and increasing the risk of verbal abuse from frustrated customers. She advocated for a one employee to three self -checkout station ratio, transaction limits for self -checkout, and additional support and protections for employees to improve workplace safety, efficiency, and customer service. Bethany Ahlberg thanked grocery and retail workers for speaking about workplace safety and emphasized the importance of public safety for all residents. She also expressed concerns regarding the ongoing investigation into the officer -involved death of Albert Arzola, questioned the City's handling of the investigation and release of information, and called for the public release of the incident footage. Jorge Rodriguez, a bakery manager at an Albertsons store in Santa Ana, spoke in support of the proposed self -checkout ordinance. He highlighted the attendance of numerous grocery workers supporting the measure and referenced Santa Ana's recently adopted one employee to three self - checkout stations standard. He stated that inadequate staffing contributes to theft, customer frustration, and workplace safety concerns, and urged the City Council to adopt the ordinance to improve employee safety, customer service, and loss prevention. Olga Espino, Floor Manager at Ralph's in Anaheim, expressed support for the proposed self - checkout ordinance, stating that inadequate staffing at self -checkout contributes to theft and inventory losses. She explained that merchandise is frequently stolen or improperly scanned, resulting in lost sales and wasted labor, and urged the City Council to adopt the ordinance to provide additional staffing and improve oversight. Andrew Winger commented regarding Item No. 17 and the proposed California Prohousing Designation, expressing support for increasing housing but expressing opposition to the designation. He argued that the program could reduce the City's local control over future housing decisions by limiting Anaheim's ability to address issues such as traffic, parking, infrastructure, public safety, and evacuation planning. He expressed concern that the designation could influence how the City addresses homelessness, stating that the decisions should remain under local control. He questioned the adequacy of the public outreach conducted for the application, asserting that participation levels were limited and that supporting documentation was difficult for residents to access and understand. He urged the City Council to carefully evaluate the long-term implications of the designation before taking action, stating that it could negatively affect all areas of Anaheim rather than a single district. Maddie Garcia spoke in support of the proposed self -checkout ordinance, stating that supervising five (5) self -checkout stations at once creates operational challenges, particularly during peak shopping periods. She shared an example from Mother's Day when multiple machines required assistance simultaneously, resulting in long wait times, frustrated customers, and verbal abuse directed toward employees. She stated that limiting attendants to one employee for every three self -checkout stations would improve customer service, reduce workplace stress, and create a safer working environment for employees and customers. Kendra Gray expressed support for the proposed self -checkout ordinance, stating that supervising five (5) self -checkout stations at once makes it difficult to provide timely assistance, particularly during busy periods. She explained that assisting one customer often leaves others waiting, creating City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 24 of 52 frustration for both customers and employees. She urged the City Council to adopt a one employee to three self -checkout station ratio, stating that additional staffing would improve customer service, reduce employee stress, and create a better experience for workers and shoppers. Mary Janet Ramos, Senior Political Coordinator for the UFCW, addressed the City Council in support of Item No. 27, to update the staffing ratio to one to three. She stated that UFCW Local 324 represents over 21,000 members across Orange County and Southern Los Angeles counties employed in grocery, retail, food processing, and related industries, while the international union represents hundreds of thousands of grocery workers across North America. She stated that self - checkout has become the primary method of customer transactions in grocery stores and, while originally promoted as a convenience, emphasized that the experiences shared by frontline workers demonstrate the need for stronger staffing standards to protect employees, improve customer service, and enhance store safety. She stated that several jurisdictions, including Long Beach, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana, have adopted one -to -three staffing standards for self -checkout, and noted that Rhode Island was expected to become the first state to enact a similar statewide requirement. She urged the City Council to work with UFCW Local 324 to amend the ordinance to include the one -to - three staffing ratio, stating that doing so would improve worker safety, reduce theft, enhance customer service, and help preserve grocery retail jobs. Mark Richard Daniels expressed support for the proposed self -checkout ordinance from the perspective of a customer. He stated that self -checkout areas are often understaffed, creating stressful working conditions for employees, increasing opportunities for theft, and reducing the quality of customer service, particularly during busy periods. He urged the City Council to prioritize the safety and well-being of workers and residents over corporate interests by supporting stronger staffing requirements for self -checkout operations. Dr. Maria Czerner-Rowell, founding principal of Magnolia Science Academy —Orange County, Anaheim, thanked the Mayor, City Council, and Council Member Rubalcava for approving the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allowing the school to expand enrollment to serve students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. She shared her personal connection to Anaheim, noting that she was born and raised in the City, attended local schools, and began her career working for the City of Anaheim before returning to serve the community as an educator. She highlighted Magnolia Public Schools' 24-year history of serving students throughout Southern California, its network of 12 campuses, and its recognition as a recipient of four California Distinguished School Awards and one National Blue Ribbon School award. She shared the school's mission to provide a college -preparatory education with an emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), and emphasized the organization's commitment to academic excellence, college and career readiness, character development, leadership, and community engagement. She thanked the City for its support and investment in educational opportunities for Anaheim's children and families. Cecil Jordan Corkern expressed concern over the content in Disney films and encouraged the public to do research on the topics. He encouraged the City Council to contact him if they have any questions. Ruben Greg Soto provided remarks on the history of crucifixion, discussing its use by ancient civilizations prior to Christianity. He shared personal views on religion and faith, reflecting on past experiences with churches and expressing his individual beliefs. Renee B. stated they have advocated for police accountability in Anaheim since 2011, beginning with the families of Cesar Cruz and David Raya following officer -involved shootings. She described years of organizing residents, documenting officer -involved shootings, supporting victims' families, and attending City Council meetings and wrongful death trials. She criticized the City's handling of officer- City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 25 of 52 involved shooting cases, asserting that families often endure lengthy legal battles with the City. She referenced a prior case where a federal jury found that excessive force had been used by an Anaheim police officer in the death of an individual; however, the officer remained employed by the Police Department. She acknowledged that Anaheim has implemented reforms, including body -worn cameras, a police oversight board, and updated policies, but argued that these measures have not produced meaningful accountability. She emphasized that financial settlements do not constitute accountability and asserted that accountability requires consequences for officers when wrongdoing is found. She expressed support for the family of Albert Arzola in their efforts to seek justice and accountability following his death. Jeanine Robbins expressed concerns about the City's handling of matters related to Well 51, including PFAS contamination, brown drinking water, system flushing activities, alleged retaliation against employees who raised concerns, and reported workplace safety practices. She stated that residents continue to seek greater transparency, investigations, and accountability regarding these issues, arguing that they involve public safety, employee safety, drinking water quality, and City operations. She concluded by urging the City to demonstrate the same commitment to accountability and transparency that the Chamber of Commerce has publicly advocated following a recent lawsuit filed against its former CEO. Stephanie Mercadante stated that residents have raised repeated questions regarding Anaheim's drinking water, including PFAS contamination, water quality, operational decisions, and public transparency, and expressed concern that those questions have not received direct responses. She added that residents have encountered dismissive comments and insufficient explanations. She referenced the May 27t" Public Utilities Board meeting, stating that the Board Chair directed the General Manager and Water Production Manager to respond to residents' submitted questions. She expressed concern that rather than providing answers, staff requested additional context and questioned the purpose of the inquiries. She reiterated questions regarding the operation of Well 51, reported timelines related to PFAS contamination, differing shutdown dates, brown drinking water, and system flushing activities. She urged the City to provide direct, transparent responses to residents' questions. Marc Herbert expressed concerns regarding accountability within the City's Human Resources Department, alleging that employee complaints involving harassment, retaliation, discrimination, whistleblower protections, and workplace misconduct are not being adequately investigated, particularly when they involve management. He questioned the oversight responsibilities of City leadership and Human Resources in handling employee complaints and ensuring compliance with City policies. He referenced previous allegations involving City officials and procurement matters, questioning whether appropriate investigations and oversight had occurred. He expressed concerns regarding the oversight of employee complaints within the Public Utilities Department, including allegations related to workplace retaliation, safety issues, whistleblower disclosures, and drinking water concerns. He emphasized that the Human Resources Department should focus on protecting employees, enforcing City policies, promoting ethical conduct, and reducing liability to taxpayers through impartial investigations and accountability. Tom Fielder shared concerns regarding management accountability within the City's Public Utilities Department, specifically referencing the reassignment of a Water Field Superintendent. He cited allegations raised by employees involving workplace safety practices, excavation procedures, staffing levels, employee fatigue, retaliation, and management conduct. He questioned the City's decisions to transfer the employee to another department, noting that the reassignment appeared to be a promotion rather than an accountability measure. He argued that managers accused of misconduct should be subject to transparent investigations and appropriate consequences rather than reassignment. He expressed concern that the City has a pattern of addressing management issues City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 26 of 52 through reassignments and promotions instead of public accountability. He urged the City Council to ensure that the City's workplace policies and standards are applied equally to management and emphasized that unresolved workplace issues can result in increased costs to taxpayers through grievances, lawsuits, and other claims. Mike Robbins raised concerns regarding management changes within the Public Utilities Department. He questioned whether the reassignment was related to previous issues involving Well 51, PFAS contamination, brown drinking water in Anaheim Hills, and reported system flushing activities, and inquired whether accountability had been established. He expressed concern about the City's handling of employee complaints regarding drinking water quality, operational decisions, and public safety. He alleged that employees who raised concerns experienced retaliation. He questioned the role of the Human Resources Department in investigating such complaints and enforcing City policies. He urged the City to provide greater transparency and accountability regarding water system operations and management decisions, stating that residents deserve clear answers and responsible public service. Dave Duran expressed concerns regarding management accountability within the City's Public Utilities Department and Human Resources Department. He referenced reported personnel reassignments involving Water Division managers and questioned whether the actions addressed underlying concerns related to water system operations, regulator compliance, workplace safety, and employee complaints. He alleged that employees who raised concerns experienced retaliation while management avoided accountability, and criticized the Human Resources Department's handling of complaints and investigations. He stated that residents have not received adequate transparency regarding the costs and consequences of management decisions, including grievances, claims, and litigation. He urged greater accountability and transparency from City leadership. Art Castillo thanked City staff for addressing overgrown grass near Stonybrook Apartments, stating the work improved fire safety and was appreciated by nearby residents. He shared personal experiences and allegations regarding past interactions with the Anaheim Police Department, including claims of intimidation, improper conduct, and retaliation. He expressed concerns about the use of police helicopters, alleged inappropriate law enforcement practices dating back several decades, and asserted that some officers who engaged in misconduct were able to continue their careers elsewhere. He emphasized that their concerns were directed at individual officers rather than the entire Police Department and concluded by encouraging accountability for misconduct while recognizing officers who act appropriately and report wrongdoing. Grace Arzola expressed frustration over the lack of information released about the investigation into her nephew Albert Arzola's death, questioned why the involved officers had returned to duty, and called for greater transparency and accountability from the City. She urged the Council to be more responsive to public concerns and argued that transparency and accountability are necessary to build public trust. She stated that Albert Arzola's family has been organizing within the community to advocate for policy changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. She called for stronger policies regarding the use of body -worn cameras by police officers, arguing that officers who fail to properly use recording equipment during critical incidents should be held accountable. She expressed support for grocery workers advocating for the self -checkout staffing ordinance, citing concerns about protecting jobs and affordability for working families. Pearl Arzola questioned the City's handling of officer -involved shootings, expressing concern about when officers involved in fatal incidents are removed from duty. She argued that officers should be held to similar standards that members of the public would be if they were accused of serious crimes. She criticized a lack of accountability and transparency in police misconduct cases. She expressed support for the proposed self -checkout staffing ordinance, stating that grocery store employees are City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 27 of 52 overburdened and advocating for a staffing ratio of one employee for every three self -checkout stations to improve working conditions and customer service. Paul Hyek commented on the City's homelessness services and transportation planning, suggesting that the City utilize existing public transit services and contract with transportation providers instead of renting vans. He proposed making services more accessible by encouraging the use of public transportation and referenced a new OCTA bus pass. He shared prior experience advocating for homeless shelter services and suggested creating employment opportunities within shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness, including part-time positions that provide wages, meals, and job experience. He recommended that security services be provided by licensed security personnel and offered to assist with organizing those efforts. He suggested the use of reloadable transit cards to improve transportation access for shelter clients. Leslie Lopez shared that it had been six months since the death of her cousin Albert Arzola and expressed concern that the family was still awaiting answers and accountability. She alleged that the officer involved had a history of misconduct and questioned why the officer remained employed and assigned to patrol duties while the investigation continued. She questioned the City's commitment to transparency, citing concerns about the timing of the public release of the officer's identity. She referenced previous public concerns regarding fire safety and drinking water issues, emphasizing that residents' concerns had not been adequately addressed. She urged the City Council to prioritize accountability and public safety, expressed concern about the City's potential legal costs arising from police misconduct, and concluded by stating the family's continued commitment to advocating for policy changes and greater accountability. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Aitken reported that she attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Long Beach. She shared that she was asked to chair the Economic Mobility Workshop and the TAPES (Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports) Committee. She added that she attended the swearing -in ceremony of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, as the new President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Mayor Aitken announced the passing of Anaheim's 42nd Mayor, Fred Hunter. She shared that he recently passed away at the age of 84. She noted that he was a former Anaheim Police Officer, who served as Mayor from 1989 to 1992, during the time that the City built the Honda Center. She added that his service to the City included time as an undercover officer with the Anaheim Police and as a partner to Mayor Aitken's uncle. She expressed her condolences to his family. Council Member Meeks announced that she would also request that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Fred Hunter. She shared that he attended high school with her parents and a personal connection to him. She noted that he was instrumental in the development of the Honda Center and his vision for the City. She reported the effort to secure the arena for Anaheim during a competitive period when Orange County could only support one. She added that following a serious diagnosis earlier in the year, she provided a tour of OCVIBE to former Mayor Hunter, former City Manager Jim Ruth, former Department Head Greg Smith, and Construction Administrator Chuck Smith. She remembered him as a dedicated public servant whose leadership greatly contributed to Anaheim. Council Member Maahs highlighted OC Animal Care's Dogs Day Out Program. She shared that the program is running and individuals who are interested can take a dog out for a few hours. She noted that the program benefits the animal by providing enrichment and increased visibility for adoption opportunities. She added that the program may be beneficial to older adults and seniors who want to spend time with the animals without the responsibility of full-time care. She encouraged the public to visit the OC Animal Care website for more information and to sign up. Council Member Maahs shared that she hosted her office's monthly park cleanup at Aloe Greens Park. She noted that many community members joined, including a father and daughter from Anaheim Hills, and parkgoers who City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 28 of 52 observed the cleanup. She reported that eight bags of trash were collected. She announced that the next cleanup would be on June 27th at Edison Park, open to all members of the public, with supplies provided. She reminded attendees to wear closed -toe shoes. Council Member Maahs announced that she and Council Member Kurtz would be co -hosting a Senior Care 101 presentation at Anaheim Methodist Church on Friday, June 19th. She shared that representatives from the North Orange County Senior Collaborative, an attorney, and a fiduciary would be available to answer questions. She added that City departments would be available to provide information on different City services. Council Member Maahs reported that she was partnering with the Community Health Initiative of Orange County (CHIOC). She explained that CHIOC connects families to quality, affordable health care and social services. She shared that there are several enrollment sites for CalOptima and CalFresh throughout the City. She highlighted the Miraloma Family Resource Center in District 5 and Ponderosa Family Resource Center. She noted that there are new eligibility requirements, as a result of H.R. 1, which dramatically impact coverage for several individuals receiving benefits. She emphasized the importance of education on the information to ensure individuals do not lose their benefits. She shared that there would be sessions in English and Spanish, and virtually. Council Member Rubalcava recognized Leonardo Salazar, an eight -time amateur Muay Thai champion and District 3 resident who has earned multiple titles through the International Kickboxing Federation. She shared that he was born and raised in Anaheim and has achieved significant success while serving as a positive role model for youth interested in martial arts. She added that she would be requesting a formal recognition for Mr. Salazar. She also acknowledged his wife, who reached out to her and recognized her support of his accomplishments. Council Member Rubalcava recognized Joe Pak, an advocate for the veterans community, particularly Korean War veterans. She shared that he championed the Korean War memorial in the City of Fullerton. She added that he currently works for Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk -Silva, who represents the City of Anaheim. Council Member Rubalcava reported business growth in District 3. She noted that 90% of the businesses in Anaheim are small businesses. She highlighted three small businesses opening on Center Street in District 3, including Deco Day, Pulse Lagree, and additional restaurants. She highlighted the efforts by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Department to fill vacant storefronts. Council Member Rubalcava recognized the VFW and the American Legion for hosting a Memorial Day event at Anaheim Cemetery to remember the many veterans who fought for the country. She recognized the entire Council for attending to recognize and remember those who lost their lives for freedom. She highlighted former City of Anaheim employees and School Board Member Jessica Guerrero, who have been instrumental in the event. Council Member Rubalcava thanked the Community Services Department and the Communications team for hosting the raising of the Pride flag. She noted that June is Pride Month and emphasized the City's commitment to fostering an inclusive community where all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or immigration status, feel welcome, safe and secure. Council Member Rubalcava recognized City Clerk Theresa Bass and Assistant City Clerk Susana Barrios for answering resident questions about voting on Election Night to ensure residents have somewhere to call to vote before 8 p.m. She recognized Magnolia Science Academy charter school. She noted that she has received requests from residents to support the expansion of the services provided. She reported that they started with T-K through sixth grade and have expanded to serve students from seventh to eighth grade. She thanked the Planning Department for working with the school to allow them to expand and provide additional access to Anaheim families. Council Member Rubalcava announced the District 3 Open House would be held on Wednesday, June 10th. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. She shared that each City department would be present and available to answer any questions or concerns. She added that refreshments would be provided, and attendees could enter to win Angels tickets. Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Alan Graner, a District 3 resident. She shared that he resided with his wife and was an engaged, positive member of the community. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 29 of 52 Council Member Balius thanked the Public Works Department for their progress on traffic signal updates. He highlighted the intersection located at Western Avenue and Ball Road, which was completed with four-way protected left -turn signals. He shared that additional improvements at Western Avenue and Orange Avenue have been completed, with work underway at Orange Avenue and Dale Avenue. Council Member Balius thanked the Public Utilities Department and General Manager Dukku Lee for power line removal along Beach Boulevard. He shared that he attended the Anaheim Fire Department graduation and welcomed the 21 recruits. He thanked them for choosing Anaheim and for a rewarding career. He added that he attended the Fire Department's Badge Pinning Ceremony, where 20 firefighters were promoted. Council Member Balius thanked the Angels organization for hosting 250 youth from Little League Baseball for practice. He noted that some Angels players were in attendance. Council Member Balius announced that the Orange County Resiliency Fund from United Way is available to those affected by the Garden Grove incident. He explained that the public can call 2-1-1, option seven, for assistance. He added that individuals who would like to donate to the fund can call the 2-1-1 line. Mayor Pro Tern Leon expressed gratitude to City staff, first responders, and volunteers who assisted during the recent emergency response in Garden Grove. He thanked residents who attended the District 2 Open House. He noted that the Open House is an opportunity for direct conversations about issues in the neighborhood, priorities, and feedback. He thanked City staff who attended to answer residents' questions. Mayor Pro Tern Leon wished Angie Beccia a happy 100th birthday. He shared that her story is deeply rooted in Anaheim's history after moving to Anaheim over six decades ago. He added that she was a seamstress at Knott's Berry Farm for 25 years and became a cherished member of her church community. He noted that he would be requesting a recognition for Ms. Beccia. Mayor Pro Tern Leon thanked Orange County Clerk Recorder Hugh Nguyen and his team for partnering with his office to host a passport services event at Savanna High School. He shared that more than 70 passports and applications were processed. He noted the importance of bringing government services directly to neighborhoods for increased accessibility. Mayor Pro Tern Leon reported that following the tragic shooting in San Diego, he and Chief Cid met with leaders from District 2 local mosques. He thanked Chief Cid for his willingness to join, listen, engage, and reaffirm that every person in the City deserves to feel safe in the community. He emphasized the importance of building relationships across cultures, faiths, and neighborhoods, and acknowledged the Police Department's ongoing outreach and follow-up efforts. He expressed gratitude for the continued partnership between the City and the community. Mayor Pro Tern Leon announced his attendance at the St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival. He shared that for decades, the festival has brought families together while celebrating traditions that enrich the cultural fabric of the City. He thanked all of the organizers who continue the tradition each year. Mayor Pro Tern Leon recognized the Brown Descents Car Club for their dedication to the community and for hosting an event that raised thousands of dollars in scholarship money for kids in the neighborhood. He shared that they continue to create opportunities for young people in the community and make a meaningful difference. Mayor Pro Tern Leon requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Tran Augustino Cau. He shared that his life was defined by perseverance, sacrifice, and service. He stated that following the fall of Saigon, Mr. Cau endured imprisonment in a re-education camp before making the courageous journey to freedom with his family. He shared that he arrived seeking opportunity and safety, to build a new life, not only for himself and for countless relatives and future generations. He announced that he became a respected leader with the Vietnamese community and helped preserve the stories of those who endured war and displacement. He added that he remained active in Black April commemorations and used his voice to advocate for freedom and human dignity. He shared that his work in civic affairs and Vietnamese language media helped strengthen connections across generations and ensured important stories would never be forgotten. He extended his gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and health professionals at Anaheim Health Care Center and West Anaheim Medical Center who cared for him during his final years and for all their work to the community. He expressed City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 30 of 52 his condolences to his daughter Tammy, his loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Council Member Kurtz announced that the District 4 Open House would be held on Thursday, June 11th, at Betsy Ross Park. She shared that it is the first time the City is hosting the meeting in a park and invited the public to attend. She noted that all City departments would be present to answer questions. Council Member Kurtz reported that on Saturday, June 13th, there would be a neighborhood cleanup in at Valencia on the north, Vermont on the south, and to the east of West Anaheim Boulevard. She noted that the area will have several large bins available for large trash items. She added that the cleanup will end with a gathering at the Olive Elementary School parking lot, where several City departments would be present to discuss issues in the neighborhood. She shared that hot dogs would be provided by the Orange County Employees' Association. Council Member Kurtz repeated Council Member Maahs' announcement regarding a senior meeting being held at the United Methodist Church on June 191h. She shared that the event would begin at 9:30 A.M. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: Interim City Manager Greg Garcia provided an update on the ongoing Stadium assessment. He reported that there have been no new developments or changes, and that the final assessment would be completed later in the year. Interim City Manager Garcia congratulated an Anaheim family of four who became homeowners through the City's new First -Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program. He shared that the family has lived in District 4 for more than 20 years and were able to purchase a home in the neighborhood, allowing them to stay connected to their community. He recognized staff, including Staff Analyst Monica Pinto, who played a key role in coordinating the effort and making the City's first Local Housing Trust Fund homeownership opportunity. He added that the first closing is the first of many opportunities to help Anaheim families achieve homeownership. He reported that additional information is available on the City's website. Interim City Manager Garcia announced that for those traveling to SoFi for the FIFA World Cup, ARTIC was available to provide direct affordable bus rides to the stadium. He reported that additional information is available on OCTA's website. He added that ARTIC would be hosting a free watch party on July 19th, co -hosted by OCVIBE. He noted that it is a family -friendly event that would bring hundreds of fans to watch the final game on a 20-foot screen TV, while enjoying live DJs, photo opportunities, food and beverage vendors, and other fan experiences. He stated that the event is free with registration through OCVIBE. Interim City Manager Garcia highlighted the City's Employee Appreciation Picnic and expressed gratitude to Anaheim employees for their dedication and service to the community. Mayor Aitken thanked the Anaheim Ducks for putting information together regarding the Watch Party for residents first. She encouraged residents to register. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:43 p.m., the consent calendar was considered with Council Member Kurtz pulling Item Nos. 7 and 8, Mayor Pro Tem Leon pulling Item Nos. 9 and 15, Council Member Maahs pulling Item No. 13, and Council Member Meeks pulling Item No. 21. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Leon moved to waive reading of the ordinances and resolutions and adopt the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member, seconded by Council Member Kurtz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D116 1. Approve certificate recognizing The Quick Track Club, a group of 7 youth athletes who competed at the USATF Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Shelbyville, Indiana. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 31 of 52 B105 2. Appoint Maria Evans, General Manager, The Viv Hotel, to the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) Advisory Board to represent large hotels within the ATID boundary to complete an unexpired term, ending December 31, 2028. D125 3. Approve the Anaheim Economic Development Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 (continued from the Council meeting of May 12, 2026, Item No. 22). D180 4. Approve the issuance of Purchase Order No. 515-408378 to Musco Corporation, dba Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $144,756, for replacement of the Anaheim Convention Center Arena sports lighting; and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to complete this purchase using discounted pricing under Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement No. 041123-MSL. AGR-15998 5. Approve Contract Master Agreement (MA) No. 106-499070 with Chameleon Beverage Company, Inc. for the purchase of aluminum bottled drinking water for Anaheim Public Utilities, in the amount of $162,362.88 for a one year term, with up to four one-year optional renewals (cumulative amount of $811,814.40, plus annual renewal increases in accordance with the applicable Consumer Price Index and applicable sales tax); and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute the MA and all necessary contractual documents related to the MA and to exercise the renewal options, as appropriate. AGR-15999 6. Approve Contract No. MA 106-499120 with United Rotary Brush Corporation to provide reconditioned street sweeper broom services for the Public Works Department, in the amount of $61,404.80 for an initial one-year term, with up to four one-year optional renewals (cumulative amount of $307,024, plus applicable sales tax, Consumer Price Index annual increases, and a 10% contingency); and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute all necessary contractual documents and to exercise the renewal options, as appropriate, in accordance with Invitation for Bids No. 9879. AGR-16004 10 Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Onyx Paving Company, Inc., in the amount of $1,441,000, for the Harbor Boulevard Rehabilitation from north of Lincoln Avenue to North Street Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. AGR-16005 11 Approve an agreement with Iteris, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $995,784, to provide traffic and intelligent transportation systems engineering services for the State College Boulevard/The City Drive Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 3, Section 15303 (d) (New Construction) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 32 of 52 AGR-16006 12. Approve a Professional Services Agreement, in substantial form, with three consultant AGR-16007 companies, each in an amount not to exceed $750,000 per Work Order Package with a total AGR-16008 contract amount not to exceed $2,000,000 per contract year per consultant company plus a 10% contingency, for a three year term with two one-year optional renewals, for as -needed Citywide sewer conditional assessment services to support the Department of Public Works; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute each agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements; and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreements, so long as such changes are determined to be de minimis by the City Attorney's Office [AKM Consulting Engineers; Houston and Harris PCS Inc.; Mattucci Plumbing, Inc.]. AGR-16010 14 Approve a Cooperative Agreement with the Cities of Brea, Fullerton, and Orange for the State College Boulevard/The City Drive Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project for the corridor from Cliffwood Avenue in Brea to Garden Grove Boulevard for a term ending December 31, 2032; authorize a cost match in an amount not to exceed $940,572.70; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute, implement, and administer the agreement. AGR-16012 16. Ratify the submission of the Better Careers Grant application to The James Irvine Foundation; authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or designee, to execute all agreements and documents necessary to implement and administer the grant activities; and increase the Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget by $1,000,000. D159 17 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing the application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program through the California Department of Housing and Community Development [includes determination that the action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines because it consists solely of an administrative action of the collection of information for the City's authorization to submit an application to the State of California requesting a Prohousing Designation and will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the environment]. Item No. 17 was withdrawn by staff. AGR-16013 18. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-055 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing the Director of Housing and Community Development to enter into an agreement to receive funding from the Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021 [grant award in the amount of $5,000,0001. Approve amendments to the Anaheim Local Housing Trust Fund Program Guidelines to incorporate REAP 2.0-required underwriting criteria and program requirements; and amend the Housing and Community Development Department budget, in the amount of $5,000,000, in the fiscal year in which grant funds are received. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 33 of 52 D175 19. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-056 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting the FY 2026-27 Project List for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. D175 20. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-057.......--- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM concerning the update of the Local Signal Synchronization Plan for the Measure M (M2) Program. Adopt the Measure M2 (OC Go) Seven -Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2026/27 — Fiscal Year 2032/33 and authorize staff to submit it to the Orange County Transportation Authority. D154.9 22• RESOLUTION NO. 2026-059 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Letter of Understanding between the City of Anaheim and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002 (General Management Unit) amending the 2023-2027 Memorandum of Understanding to establish base salary wage adjustments for the final year of the term ending June 30, 2027. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-060 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Letter of Understanding between the City of Anaheim and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002 (Professional/Technical Management Unit) amending the 2023-2027 Memorandum of Understanding to establish base salary wage adjustments for the final year of the term ending June 30, 2027. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-061 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Letter of Understanding between the City of Anaheim and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 2002 (Confidential Unit) amending the 2023-2027 Memorandum of Understanding to establish base salary wage adjustments for the final year of the term ending June 30, 2027. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-062 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Personnel Rules and Policies covering Non -Represented Full - Time and Part -Time Employees to establish rates of compensation for classifications designated as Non -Represented Full -Time and Part -Time. E127 23. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-063 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, calling and giving notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of Article XIII, Section 1300, of the Charter of the City of Anaheim. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-064 _ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be held on that date pursuant to Sections 10403 and 10418 of the Elections Code of the State of California. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 34 of 52 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-065 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. M142 24. ORDINANCE NO.... 6626 _ (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapter 10.18 (Water Conservation and Water Shortage Contingency Rules and Regulations) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to update water shortage response processes and water conservation requirements, and determining that such action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to California Water Code Section 10652 [introduced at the Council meeting of May 12, 2026, Item No. 19]. D114 25. Approve minutes of the City Council meetings of March 3, 2026 and March 24, 2026 BUSINESS CALENDAR: AGR-16000 7. Award the construction contract for Underground District No. 71 Olive/Vermont Project to the AGR-16001 lowest responsible bidder, Asplundh Construction, LLC, in the amount of $22,606,376.68; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions, in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22300. Authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to negotiate, finalize, and execute the Facilities Relocation Agreement, in substantial form, with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) with any changes to the Agreement that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; reimburse SCE for its construction and associated cost of materials as part of undergrounding its transmission telecommunication facilities, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, plus a 20% contingency; and execute any related documents including, but not limited to, the Bill of Sale and ITCC Exemption Letter, and take any and all actions as are necessary or advisable to implement and administer the Agreement. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz noted that the project was an undergrounding project along a busy street that has residences, a school, and businesses. She requested additional information on the timeline for the project and notification to the affected property owners and businesses. Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee provided an overview of the affected roadways and included Vermont Avenue from Anaheim Boulevard to State College Boulevard, Olive Street from Vermont Avenue to South Street, and South Street from Anaheim Boulevard to Olive Street. He noted transmission lines crossing Vermont Avenue that would remain overhead due to the costs and associated technical challenges, adding that one was along a rail corridor and the other has Edison's transmission lines on shared utility lines. He stated that there are three (3) elementary schools affected by the project, including Jefferson, Olive, and Roosevelt. He shared that staff has been coordinating with the schools and district regarding the project design and avoiding construction during drop-off and pick-up times. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 35 of 52 General Manager Lee reported that construction activities include excavation and installation of vaults and conduits. He added that civil work is the most disruptive, but the work is completed in increments and temporarily patched each day in order to limit impacts to the area. He added that following the civil work, electric equipment and underground cable would be installed, along with over 60 new street lights spaced to current standards that would improve nighttime visibility. He stated that as previously requested by Council Member Kurtz on the Vermont Substation project, staff would do their best to limit traffic impacts on Vermont towards Anaheim Boulevard, such as equipment deliveries; however, construction vehicles would need to access the roadway along the project limits to perform the undergrounding work. He noted that overall, customers who had been working with staff have been very understanding of the short-term inconvenience for the long-term benefits of the project. General Manager Lee reported that the design and permitting for the project took coordination with railroad agencies, five (5) private agencies with telecommunication lines, other utilities in the roadway, and many residential and commercial property owners. He stated that the civil and electrical work would take about two (2) years to complete due to the narrow streets, two rail lines, and a number of schools that would make the challenging construction project that accommodates the various stakeholders along the roadways. He added that the construction contract includes liquidated damages of $1,000 per day for the contractor to encourage timely completion of the project while maintaining safety and minimizing impacts on affected customers. He added that under the contract, the contractor would be assessed $1,000 per day in liquidated damages if the project extends beyond the established completion deadline. He reported that the ordinance adopted by the City Council in 2024 is in effect and resulted in more timely work by telecommunications companies. He noted that the City issued a fine to one telecommunications company for failing to remove overhead lines on schedule, resulting in a penalty for a two-day delay. General Manager Lee explained that public outreach began during the design and the underground district formation process. He reported that following district formation, the City entered the engineering phase and coordinated with affected property owners to obtain easements and construction access where work would occur on private property. He noted that additional notifications would coincide with the construction phases, including construction signs, mailers, and door hangers, which include the project manager's and inspector's contact information if accommodations are needed. He added that following undergrounding projects, the City sent out feedback surveys to learn how the City can continually improve the notification and construction process. General Manager Lee highlighted what the intersection of Olive and Vermont currently looks like and a rendering of the roadway following the undergrounding process. He thanked Public Works. who assisted with construction management. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz inquired whether the project was covered under a PLA (Project Labor Agreement). General Manager Lee confirmed that the work was covered under a Community Workforce Agreement due to the high voltage work being completed. He reported that the work would be done by IBEW 47 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) contractors. He added that there would be training and apprenticeships. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 36 of 52 MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to award the construction contract for Underground District No. 71 Olive/Vermont Project to the lowest responsible bidder, Asplundh Construction, LLC, in the amount of $22,606,376.68; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions, in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22300 and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to negotiate, finalize, and execute the Facilities Relocation Agreement, in substantial form, with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) with any changes to the Agreement that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; reimburse SCE for its construction and associated cost of materials as part of undergrounding its transmission telecommunication facilities, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, plus a 20% contingency; and execute any related documents including, but not limited to, the Bill of Sale and ITCC Exemption Letter, and take any and all actions as are necessary or advisable to implement and administer the Agreement, seconded by Council Member Meeks. DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Aitken, General Manager Lee explained that the City sought to require Southern California Edison to underground its electrical lines through the California Public Utilities Commission, but the ruling determined that Edison is not required to pay for undergrounding its facilities. He stated that if the City wishes to underground Edison infrastructure, it must secure its own funding. He noted that for the Beach Boulevard project, the utility is advancing the project costs, with the General Fund providing long-term cost recovery because the facilities are not City -owned. For the East Street project, the proposed agreement includes approximately $200,000 to underground lower -level telecommunications lines. He noted that undergrounding Edison transmission poles along East Street would be prohibitively expensive and is not included in the current project scope. He added that the City is actively pursuing grant funding and has asked members of Congress to advocate for Department of Energy grant programs that would support local electrical distribution undergrounding projects, as current federal funding is primarily limited to larger transmission infrastructure. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to award the construction contract for Underground District No. 71 Olive/Vermont Project to the lowest responsible bidder, Asplundh Construction, LLC, in the amount of $22,606,376.68; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions, in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22300 and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to negotiate, finalize, and execute the Facilities Relocation Agreement, in substantial form, with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) with any changes to the Agreement that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; reimburse SCE for its construction and associated cost of materials as part of undergrounding its transmission telecommunication facilities, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, plus a 20% contingency; and execute any related documents including, but not limited to, the Bill of Sale and ITCC Exemption Letter, and take any and all actions as are necessary or advisable to implement and administer the Agreement, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 37 of 52 AGR-16002 8. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Moalej Builders, Inc., in the amount of $1,571,276.25, for the Boysen Skate Park Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1 (Existing Facilities) Section 15301(a)(c)(d)2(A)(B), Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction) Section 15302, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) Section 15303(c)(e), Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) Section 15304(b)(f), and Section 15300.2 (c) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any other related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions in accordance with Public Contract Code section 22300. Director of Public Works Rudy Emami reported that the item was to award Moalej Builders, Inc. for the Boysen Skate Park Project. He stated that the project represents Phase One of the Boysen Park Master Plan Improvements and would construct Anaheim's ninth skate park. He explained that the Boysen Park renovation includes construction of a new skate park within an underutilized area near Vermont Avenue and State College Boulevard. He stated that all work would be confined to Boysen Park. Director Emami reported that the project includes a new skate facility with bowls, rails, ramps, shade structures, landscaping, stormwater improvements, and supporting amenities. He added that the City would coordinate construction activities with the surrounding neighborhoods, including nearby schools, including Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School and Katella High School, to minimize disruptions. He stated that construction is anticipated to begin in August 2026 and be completed by December 2026. He added that the contractor would distribute project notification door hangers to the surrounding residential areas and a portion of the Underground District 71 project. He noted that staff would coordinate the projects to avoid any conflicts if activities overlap. He stated that the project supports the City's Strategic Plan by investing in infrastructure and amenities, advancing the Park's Master Plan, and ongoing pursuit of grant funding. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz requested clarification on the proposed skate park's location along State College Boulevard in a visible area of the park. Director Emami confirmed that the park was in a visible area and not hidden. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Emami confirmed that the skate park would be located in an area that would not require moving the trees planted closer to Vermont Avenue. Council Member Kurtz expressed support for the project, noting that residents had been concerned about preserving the mature trees and relocating the airplane display. She stated that the proposed design appears to address those concerns. She added that the project has been highly anticipated by residents in Districts 4 and 5 and expressed appreciation for moving it forward. She inquired whether the contract falls under the Community Workforce Agreement (CWA). Director Emami confirmed that the project falls under the CWA. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Moalej Builders, Inc., in the amount of $1,571,276.25, for the Boysen Skate Park Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1 (Existing Facilities) Section City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 38 of 52 15301(a)(c)(d)2(A)(B), Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction) Section 15302, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) Section 15303(c)(e), Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) Section 15304(b)(f), and Section 15300.2 (c) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any other related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions in accordance with Public Contract Code section 22300. DISCUSSION: Council Member Maahs inquired if skateboarders provided input on the skate park design. Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash responded that the City conducted multiple rounds of community outreach during the design process. She reported that public input was gathered on the overall park design and later on the skate park specifically, including feedback from skaters and nearby residents, which was incorporated into the project design. Council Member Kurtz highlighted the City's community engagement efforts, noting that families and children participated in a design workshop where young participants created their own skate park concepts. She stated that some of the children's ideas were incorporated into the final design and expressed appreciation for the strong community enthusiasm and the project's progress, noting that many of the children who participated are now old enough to use the completed skate park. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Moalej Builders, Inc., in the amount of $1,571,276.25, for the Boysen Skate Park Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1 (Existing Facilities) Section 15301(a)(c)(d)2(A)(B), Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction) Section 15302, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) Section 15303(c)(e), Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) Section 15304(b)(f), and Section 15300.2 (c) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any other related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions in accordance with Public Contract Code section 22300, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. AGR-16003 9. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, R.J. Noble Company, in the amount of $8,123,983, for the construction of Residential Street Improvement Project — Monterey & Baker — Group 19; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301, Class 1, and 15302, Class 2, of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem Leon expressed support for the item, noting that the project would address concerns received from residents about deteriorating neighborhood street conditions, particularly in District 2 and West Anaheim. He thanked staff for their work on the project. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 39 of 52 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Leon moved to award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, R.J. Noble Company, in the amount of $8,123,983, for the construction of Residential Street Improvement Project — Monterey & Baker — Group 19; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301, Class 1, and 15302, Class 2, of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. AGR-10938.1 13. Approve the Offer and Agreement to Purchase Real Property for the City's acquisition of a Permanent Bridge Easement and Temporary Construction Easement from the Orange County Flood Control District for the Orangewood Avenue Bridge Widening over the Santa Ana River Project, in the acquisition amount of $55,000; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Agreement and to take such actions as are necessary to implement and administer the Agreement and any related documents; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute and accept the Permanent Bridge Easement Deed and Temporary Construction Easement Deed and subsequently execute an Assignment Deed conveying the Permanent Bridge Easement to the City of Orange consistent with Cooperative Agreement AGR-10938; and authorize the City Clerk to cause said Deeds to be recorded in the Office of the Orange County Recorder. DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Maahs, Director Emami reported that the project is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of the year and is expected to be completed in 2029. He explained that it is a multi -year project with funding through the Platinum Triangle bond. MOTION: Council Member Maahs moved to approve the Offer and Agreement to Purchase Real Property for the City's acquisition of a Permanent Bridge Easement and Temporary Construction Easement from the Orange County Flood Control District for the Orangewood Avenue Bridge Widening over the Santa Ana River Project, in the acquisition amount of $55,000; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Agreement and to take such actions as are necessary to implement and administer the Agreement and any related documents; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute and accept the Permanent Bridge Easement Deed and Temporary Construction Easement Deed and subsequently execute an Assignment Deed conveying the Permanent Bridge Easement to the City of Orange consistent with Cooperative Agreement AGR-10938; and authorize the City Clerk to cause said Deeds to be recorded in the Office of the Orange County Recorder, seconded by Mayor Aitken. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. Without objection, Mayor Aitken considered Item No. 29 out of order. C430 21. RESOLUTION NO. _2026-058 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting the Central Anaheim Master Plan of Sanitary Sewers dated April 2026 and adopting the Central Anaheim Sanitary Sewer Financial Implementation Plan dated April 2026. DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks inquired whether the Sewer Study included higher density sites included in the Housing Element. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 40 of 52 Director Emami confirmed that the proposal is consistent with the City's current General Plan. In response to Council Member Meeks, Director Emami explained that the analysis includes the updated Center City Master Plan and the development assumptions reflected in it but does not incorporate changes adopted after that update. Council Member Meeks asked whether the traffic model can be readily updated to incorporate future land use and density changes, including development anticipated under Disneyland Forward. She inquired whether the model could be used to evaluate the impacts of future density increases in the resort area and identify potential traffic constraints or roadway pinch points. Director Emami responded that the traffic model can be updated to evaluate future development scenarios. He noted that projects not contemplated in the General Plan, or those proposing development beyond General Plan assumptions, would require separate analysis and could be subject to project -specific mitigation measures and conditions of approval. In response to Council Member Meeks, Director Emami explained that if a proposed development requires updates to the City's traffic model, the existing model would be amended rather than recreated from scratch. He added that the developer would be responsible for funding the cost of any necessary model updates or additional analysis. Council Member Meeks asked whether the planning model is flexible enough to accommodate future City -initiated changes, such as increasing development density in the resort area. She emphasized the importance of having a study that can be updated and used as a planning tool as the City evaluates future growth opportunities. Director Emami confirmed that the City could update the study. MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. __ 2026-058_ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting the Central Anaheim Master Plan of Sanitary Sewers dated April 2026 and adopting the Central Anaheim Sanitary Sewer Financial Implementation Plan dated April 2026, seconded by Council Member Maahs. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. AGR-16011 15. Approve an agreement with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) allowing the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department to provide fire, emergency medical services, and ambulance transport services to the unincorporated area bordering southwest Anaheim, north of Ball Road, for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Leon asked staff whether the Fire Department has data on the frequency and nature of Anaheim Fire & Rescue responses to emergency calls in nearby unincorporated County areas. He explained that residents had expressed concerns about those responses. Fire Chief Patrick Russell reported that Anaheim Fire & Rescue responded to 196 incidents in the adjacent County contract area during the previous year. He noted that the responses included a variety of emergency types, such as medical aid, vehicle accidents, and structure fires, with response levels varying by incident. He added that the call volume has remained relatively consistent over the past several years. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 41 of 52 In response to Mayor Pro Tern Leon, Chief Russell explained that the response arrangement for the unincorporated county island is provided under a local service agreement with pre -established rates, rather than through automatic aid or mutual aid. He noted that the agreement is unique because it applies to an unincorporated County island located within the City of Anaheim. Mayor Pro Tern Leon requested clarification on whether the City's agreement with the County fully reimburses Anaheim for providing fire services to the unincorporated County island. He explained that residents have contacted him with concerns that Anaheim taxpayers are subsidizing those emergency responses. Chief Russell explained that the County compensates Anaheim through a local service agreement with a fixed fee for fire services provided to the unincorporated County island. He also noted that, under longstanding automatic and mutual aid agreements, fire agencies routinely cross jurisdictional boundaries to ensure the closest available unit responds to emergencies. He reported that Anaheim units regularly respond outside the City, while neighboring agencies, including Fullerton, Buena Park, and Orange County Fire Authority, likewise respond to incidents within Anaheim as part of the regional closest -unit response system. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Leon moved to approve an agreement with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) allowing the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department to provide fire, emergency medical services, and ambulance transport services to the unincorporated area bordering southwest Anaheim, north of Ball Road, for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, seconded by Mayor Aitken. DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Russell stated that Anaheim's overall participation in automatic and mutual aid is generally balanced, remaining within the accepted 10% margin used to measure reciprocity between agencies. He added that while Anaheim may provide slightly more assistance on the east side of the city, it receives substantial support on the west side from neighboring agencies, including Orange County Fire Authority and Buena Park, through the closest - unit response system. Mayor Aitken inquired what the closest station would be to the City of Yorba Linda. Chief Russell explained that Yorba Linda is served by multiple Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) stations, including Stations 32, 53, and 10. He explained that the OCFA stations provide fire and emergency services in Yorba Linda and participate in the closest -unit automatic aid system with Anaheim. In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Russell clarified that while Yorba Linda is served by Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) fire stations, ambulance transport services are provided through a separate private ambulance contractor operating under contract for that service area. He shared that he did not have an exact number of ambulances served in the area but confirmed that the ambulances are not owned or operated by OCFA. Mayor Aitken asked staff to further review ambulance service coverage in the county island area and follow up at a later time. She expressed concern that, because Anaheim operates its own ambulance system while the county island relies on a private ambulance contractor, residents in East Anaheim may not be receiving the same level of emergency medical service. She questioned whether the lack of a stationed ambulance in the area could be resulting in Anaheim units handling a significant number of ambulance transport calls. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 42 of 52 Chief Russell agreed to meet with Mayor Aitken to discuss the issue further and clarified that Anaheim's ambulances do not respond to routine emergency calls in Yorba Linda or other neighboring jurisdictions. He noted that under the automatic aid system, Anaheim may dispatch a fire engine or paramedic unit to provide the initial emergency response, but patient transport is handled by the ambulance provider contracted by the receiving jurisdiction. He noted that Anaheim ambulances would only respond outside the City under extraordinary circumstances, such as a major disaster or mass casualty incident requiring additional ambulance resources. Council Member Balius requested clarification regarding the unincorporated county island within Anaheim's service area. He inquired whether the City would still be required to provide fire and emergency services even if Orange County did not reimburse Anaheim under the existing service agreement. Chief Russell responded that, absent the service agreement, Anaheim would likely still respond to emergencies in the county island under the closest -unit response system. He noted that depending on location and unit availability, Anaheim Fire Station 11 or Fire Station 6 would likely be dispatched as the closest available resource through the automatic vehicle location (AVL) system. Council Member Balius stated that maintaining the service agreement with Orange County benefits Anaheim by providing reimbursement for emergency response services that the City would likely provide under the closest -unit response system regardless of the contract. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Chief Russell explained that emergency service agreements vary by jurisdiction and that Anaheim's contract with Orange County dates back to the early 1990s, when the closest -unit response concept was established. He added that under the agreement, Anaheim provides emergency response services to the County island, while the County retains responsibility for functions such as fire investigations and building permits, making it a limited - service contract rather than full fire protection. He noted that other jurisdictions may contract for full - service fire protection, citing Yorba Linda's contract with OCFA and Placentia's decision to leave OCFA and establish its own fire department. He added that fire service funding models differ among agencies and involve varying fee structures and local funding arrangements, with service levels, costs, and the value of local control all influencing how jurisdictions structure their fire protection agreements. Council Member Rubalcava noted that the agreement is particularly important because the county island is geographically part of Anaheim, even though it is unincorporated. She stated that the arrangement helps ensure Anaheim Fire & Rescue ambulances remain available for Anaheim residents, rather than being taken out of service to provide ambulance transport in neighboring jurisdictions. Chief Russell clarified that the County island is a unique service area because it is a small unincorporated area surrounded by Anaheim. He shared that under the agreement, Anaheim provides both emergency response and ambulance transport services within the County island, and the City collects ambulance transport fees just as it does elsewhere in Anaheim. He distinguished the arrangement from mutual aid responses to neighboring cities, where Anaheim may send a paramedic unit but does not dispatch its ambulances for routine patient transport. He noted that the County service agreement specifically includes ambulance coverage, and the County compensates Anaheim for providing that level of service. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Leon moved to approve an agreement with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) allowing the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department to provide fire, emergency medical services, and ambulance transport services to the unincorporated area bordering southwest City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 43 of 52 Anaheim, north of Ball Road, for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, seconded by Mayor Aitken. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D160 26. Receive a presentation of the City's plan for fireworks enforcement [informational item]. Interim City Manager Garcia introduced an informational presentation on Anaheim's Fourth of July fireworks planning and enforcement strategy. He acknowledged that illegal fireworks are a regional issue affecting communities throughout Southern California but remain a significant concern in Anaheim neighborhoods. He stated that although the City has avoided major fire incidents during recent Independence Day holidays, fireworks continue to create safety and quality -of -life issues each year. He reported that Anaheim is increasing its enforcement efforts for the upcoming holiday by deploying additional personnel from the Police Department, Fire & Rescue, Code Enforcement, and Park Rangers in a coordinated Citywide response. He highlighted the use of new technology and increased enforcement under the host liability ordinance adopted the previous year. He noted that enforcement efforts are already underway and will continue throughout the holiday weekend and beyond, with the goal of issuing more citations, improving compliance, and sending a clear message that illegal fireworks will not be tolerated. He introduced Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster, Anaheim Police Lieutenant Jimmy Rodriguez, Anaheim Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal Lindsey Young, and Community Preservation and Licensing Manager Marc Archibald. Chief Communications Officer Lyster acknowledged residents' ongoing frustration with illegal fireworks and stated that the City shares those concerns. He emphasized that while the Fourth of July should be a celebration, illegal fireworks continue to create safety and quality -of -life issues that were never intended when Anaheim reinstated the sale of safe and sane fireworks in 2014. He provided historical context, noting that Anaheim banned all fireworks in 1986 following a major apartment fire caused by an illegal bottle rocket that displaced hundreds of residents. He reported that in 2014, Anaheim voters approved an initiative allowing the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks, while preserving the City Council's authority to regulate or prohibit them. He stated that currently, eight (8) high schools and eight (8) nonprofit organizations operate safe and sane fireworks stands each year as fundraisers through a lottery process administered by the City Manager's Office and overseen by the Fire Marshal. Chief Communications Officer Lyster summarized Anaheim's fireworks regulations. He explained that only safe and sane fireworks are permitted, and only on July 41h. He stated that no consumer fireworks are allowed in East Anaheim because of wildfire risk, with only the City's professional fireworks display permitted in that area. He reported that safe and sane fireworks are clearly labeled, while illegal fireworks are easily identified as those that explode or launch into the air. Chief Communications Officer Lyster outlined the City's enforcement measures, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for illegal fireworks violations and $250 to $1,000 for misuse of safe and sane fireworks. He highlighted the host liability ordinance adopted the previous year, which allows citations to be issued to homeowners, property owners, or occupants who knowingly permit illegal fireworks on their property. He concluded by noting that illegal fireworks remain a widespread regional challenge. Lieutenant Rodriguez outlined the City's enforcement strategy for illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday, noting that enforcement has historically been challenging due to the difficulty of City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 44 of 52 identifying and detaining violators, as well as safety concerns for both sworn and non -sworn personnel who have encountered hostile crowds and, in some cases, assaults. He reported that the City typically receives more than 300 fireworks -related calls and over 2,000 total calls for service on the Fourth of July —approximately double the call volume of a typical Friday or Saturday. He stated that historical data shows fireworks -related calls have remained consistently above 300 in recent years. Lieutenant Rodriguez reported that the City's primary objectives are to protect public safety, respond to emergency calls and community concerns, issue citations, confiscate illegal fireworks, and respond quickly to fire threats. He noted that to support those efforts, the Police Department will deploy 15 officers dedicated specifically to fireworks enforcement, approximately 90 patrol personnel, including homeless liaison officers and Real -Time Crime Center staff, and an additional 83 officers assigned to Fourth of July events, including coverage for Anaheim Hills celebrations, Angels baseball, Disneyland Resort, and other special events. He explained that enforcement efforts began prior to the holiday and include investigating illegal fireworks sales, confiscating illegal fireworks, and enforcing violations before July 4. He noted that the enforcement strategy incorporates resources from the Real -Time Crime Center, air support using both helicopters and drones, and uniformed officers in the field. Lieutenant Rodriguez presented a video demonstrating a recent enforcement where the City's drone - as -first -responder program quickly located individuals using illegal fireworks in a parking lot. He stated that the drone identified the violators within seconds, enabling officers to respond, detain the individuals, and issue citations. Fire Marshal Young presented the department's 2026 Fourth of July Operational Plan, stating that the primary objective is to maintain the highest level of emergency preparedness and response during one of the busiest periods of the year. She explained that the plan was designed to ensure rapid response to vegetation fires, structure fires, medical emergencies, and other significant incidents while maintaining uninterrupted Citywide service. She added that in addition to normal daily operations, the Department would deploy a dedicated 20-person task force consisting of three Type 3 fire engines, two Type 6 patrol units, one water tender, and one Battalion Chief. She explained that the additional resources will improve the City's ability to respond to multiple simultaneous incidents, strengthen initial fire attack capabilities, and maintain full frontline emergency coverage throughout Anaheim. Fire Marshal Young reported that the Arson Investigation Unit will deploy two additional two -person investigation teams to assist with determining the cause and origin of fires and to work jointly with law enforcement to identify responsible parties. She added that the Community Risk Reduction Division will oversee the permitting of safe and sane fireworks booths, provide fire and life safety oversight at the City's professional fireworks displays at Disneyland, Peralta Park, and Angel Stadium, and coordinate the collection and disposal of illegal fireworks confiscated during enforcement operations leading up to and following the Fourth of July holiday. Community Preservation and Licensing Manager Archibald highlighted Code Enforcement's Fourth of July deployment and enforcement strategy. He stated that during the maximum enforcement period, three two -person Code Enforcement teams will conduct highly visible patrols throughout the city, including East Anaheim, where all consumer fireworks remain prohibited due to wildfire risk. He reported that deployment locations will be based on historical activity, complaint data, intelligence, and real-time information from public safety partners. He explained that Code Enforcement will work closely with police officers, air support, and the Real -Time Crime Center to investigate violations, gather evidence, document illegal activity, and coordinate enforcement efforts. He shared that the City's goals are to increase compliance, reduce illegal fireworks activity, and improve neighborhood safety. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 45 of 52 Community Preservation and Licensing Manager Archibald highlighted the implementation of the City's citation -by -mail program, enabled by the host liability ordinance. He explained that rather than relying solely on in -person enforcement during the holiday, citations may now be issued after the Fourth of July based on documented evidence, including observations by enforcement personnel, drone and helicopter footage, photographs, videos, and other investigative methods. He stated that property owners, occupants, or others who knowingly allow illegal fireworks on property under their control may be cited even if an enforcement officer is not present when the violation occurs. He noted that the approach was intended to increase accountability, improve public safety, and reduce confrontations between violators and enforcement personnel. Community Preservation and Licensing Manager Archibald reported that the City is conducting proactive outreach to apartment owners, property managers, and housing providers to educate them about their responsibilities under the host liability ordinance and the potential for post -holiday enforcement based on collected evidence. Chief Communications Officer Lyster reported that Park Rangers will support the City's Fourth of July enforcement efforts by increasing staffing from five to eight rangers. He added that rangers will educate park visitors that fireworks are prohibited in all City parks, encourage voluntary compliance, coordinate with the Police Department as needed, and conduct fire watch patrols in Deer Canyon and Oak Canyon Nature Center due to elevated wildfire risk. He outlined the City's public awareness campaign, which includes installing highly visible "No Fireworks" signs in all 68 City parks approximately two weeks before the holiday, as well as 10 electronic roadway message signs at major intersections beginning June 22. Messaging will emphasize that illegal fireworks are prohibited citywide and that all fireworks are prohibited in East Anaheim. He noted that additional outreach efforts include a dedicated fireworks webpage with online reporting capabilities, bilingual utility bill inserts, informational videos, social media campaigns, community newsletters, outreach at City open houses, and free yard signs available at community centers. He stated that the City is significantly expanding its enforcement efforts by integrating technology with the host liability ordinance and shifting from last year's educational approach to active enforcement. He acknowledged that while illegal fireworks will likely continue to occur, staff expects increased citations and emphasized that violators may receive citations by mail based on evidence collected during enforcement operations. He reported that residents witnessing illegal fireworks were encouraged to contact the Police Department's non -emergency line with specific information, while general reports of fireworks activity without identifiable violators should be submitted through the City's online reporting system to help direct enforcement resources. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken thanked City staff for their continued efforts to address illegal fireworks and acknowledged the issue as one of residents' most significant concerns during the Fourth of July period. She requested clarification on how residents should report illegal fireworks, specifically whether reports should be submitted through the City's website, the Anaheim Anytime app, or by calling the Police Department's non -emergency line. Chief Communications Officer Lyster responded that residents may report illegal fireworks through either the City's website or the Anaheim Anytime app. He noted that the City's preferred method is on the City's website because it is easy to remember and includes a prominent link for the reporting activity. He added that reports submitted through the Anaheim Anytime app are also effective, as the information is incorporated into the City's data system and used to create heat maps that help identify hotspots and deploy enforcement resources to areas with the greatest concentration of illegal fireworks activity. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 46 of 52 In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Communications Officer Lyster reported that the app does not currently include a fireworks category but stated staff would explore adding one, particularly during the holiday period, to make reporting more convenient for residents. Council Member Kurtz inquired how much revenue participating nonprofit organizations and high schools generate each year from selling safe and sane fireworks, noting that the fireworks stands serve as important fundraisers for those organizations. Fire Marshal Young reported that the revenues vary each year. She noted that fireworks booth sale revenues for 2025 were almost $164,000. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Interim City Manager Garcia explained that Anaheim's eight public high schools automatically receive permits for safe and sane fireworks stands each year and do not participate in the annual lottery process. He stated that the lottery only applies to other eligible nonprofit organizations, with the City periodically rotating participants to provide opportunities for different groups. He explained that each participating school or nonprofit works with the fireworks vendor of its choice to secure a sales location, and vendors generally try to locate stands near the sponsoring organization's school or community to maximize support from local residents. Council Member Kurtz noted that illegal fireworks generate one of the highest volumes of resident complaints each year and asked whether the City maintains data identifying neighborhoods with the greatest concentration of fireworks complaints. She referenced residents' concerns that prior calls to the Police Department often did not result in a response and asked whether those calls are nonetheless recorded and used to identify the areas most affected by illegal fireworks. Fire Marshal Young responded that the City uses heat maps based on reported fireworks activity to identify areas with higher concentrations of complaints and can refine the data by specific date ranges. She noted, however, that when viewed Citywide, the heat map shows illegal fireworks activity occurring throughout Anaheim. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Lieutenant Rodriguez stated that proactive fireworks enforcement has already begun and will continue leading up to the Fourth of July, including responding to reports of illegal fireworks before the holiday. He added that the City's full fireworks enforcement task force would be deployed beginning July 2 and remain fully operational through July 4. Council Member Kurtz inquired when signs would be placed in the parks. Chief Communications Officer Lyster explained that the City's fireworks warning signs will be installed in mid -to -late June, approximately two weeks before the Fourth of July, to maximize their effectiveness and avoid residents becoming accustomed to them if placed too early. He noted that the locations of the City's roadway message signs are generally based on heat map data identifying areas with higher levels of reported illegal fireworks activity, with separate messaging used in East Anaheim where all fireworks are prohibited. Council Member Kurtz expressed concern that individuals using illegal fireworks may not follow the City's website or social media channels and asked how the City plans to effectively communicate its enhanced enforcement efforts to those audiences. She emphasized the need to reach residents who are unlikely to receive information through traditional City communication platforms. Chief Communications Officer Lyster responded that fireworks -related messaging is among the City's most viewed and widely shared social media content, with recent enforcement videos receiving City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 47 of 52 significant public engagement. He acknowledged that not everyone will be reached through City communications but noted that increased enforcement and citations are expected to reinforce awareness through word of mouth and encourage greater compliance with fireworks regulations. Council Member Kurtz suggested using the electronic message boards at local schools, particularly elementary schools located within neighborhoods, to help communicate fireworks safety and enforcement information to the community during the Fourth of July season. In response to Council Member Maahs, Community Preservation and Licensing Manager Archibald confirmed that, under the City's host liability ordinance, apartment property owners may be subject to citations if tenants use illegal fireworks on their property. He stated that the City has already conducted outreach to apartment property managers and industry representatives, who are informing tenants about the ordinance. Council Member Maahs expressed appreciation for the City's collaborative enforcement plan. Council Member Meeks expressed support for the City's enhanced fireworks enforcement efforts and noted having championed the host liability ordinance adopted the previous year. She emphasized that even a single illegal firework can have serious consequences and that increased enforcement and public outreach benefit the entire City. She inquired whether the $164,000 in revenue represented total fireworks sales or net profit. Chief Communications Officer Lyster clarified that the previously referenced $164,000 represented total sales, not profit. He estimated that each fireworks stand typically generates approximately $15,000 to $30,000 in proceeds, depending on sales. He noted that the stands are operated primarily by volunteers, labor costs are minimized, although sponsoring organizations are responsible for certain expenses, such as providing security. Council Member Meeks observed that, after accounting for the cost of purchasing fireworks and providing security, the net proceeds for each fireworks stand may be relatively modest. Interim City Manager Garcia stated that the City's annual fireworks after -action report includes information on the funds raised by participating organizations and indicated that the report also provides estimated net proceeds for those groups. Council Member Balius inquired how many citations have been issued. Lieutenant Rodriguez reported that two (2) citations have been issued. Council Member Balius suggested that the City include information in its public education efforts explaining that all legal safe and sane fireworks are marked with the California Safe and Sane seal, making it easier for residents to distinguish legal from illegal fireworks. He expressed support for the enhanced Fourth of July enforcement efforts and encouraged the City to consider implementing similar targeted enforcement during other times of the year when illegal fireworks are common, such as New Year's Eve and following major championship victories by local sports teams. Lieutenant Rodriguez responded that the City had intended to implement a similar enhanced fireworks enforcement strategy during the previous New Year's Eve as a trial for the Fourth of July, but rainy weather resulted in virtually no fireworks activity. He stated that the City plans to use this enforcement approach for other events where illegal fireworks are anticipated, such as New Year's Eve and major celebrations. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 48 of 52 In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Lieutenant Rodriguez explained that drones are more effective for enforcement before the Fourth of July than on the holiday itself. He stated that on July 4th, drone operations are limited by FAA safety restrictions due to widespread fireworks activity, as well as temporary flight restrictions associated with the Angels baseball game. He noted that drones may still be deployed in select locations where it is safe to do so and where there is minimal risk to the public if a drone were to malfunction or be struck by fireworks. Council Member Rubalcava inquired how many citations have been issued. Lieutenant Rodriguez reported that one (1) citation was issued last year. Chief Communications Officer Lyster acknowledged residents' frustration with fireworks enforcement and explained that, although no citations were issued the previous year, officers made numerous contacts with violators and often exercised discretion due to competing emergency priorities. He emphasized that the City has adopted a new enforcement strategy this year, including enhanced investigative tools and evidence -based citations, and expects the approach to result in increased enforcement and the potential for more citations, depending on observed violations and available evidence. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, Fire Marshal Young stated that the potential impacts of eliminating all fireworks in Anaheim are difficult to predict. She noted that a complete ban would simplify enforcement but acknowledged that illegal fireworks are a broader regional issue, making it uncertain how much such a policy would reduce overall activity. She added that, if the City Council chose to pursue a complete ban, staff would work to develop an effective implementation and enforcement strategy. Council Member Rubalcava stated that many constituents have urged the City to consider banning all fireworks, despite concerns that doing so could reduce fundraising opportunities for schools and nonprofit organizations. She questioned whether the financial benefit of safe and sane fireworks sales justifies the time and effort required by participating groups and expressed concern about the burden placed on law enforcement to enforce fireworks regulations. She expressed appreciation for the City's enhanced enforcement efforts; however, she shared an interest in evaluating the effectiveness of this year's approach after the Fourth of July and potentially exploring a ban on safe and sane fireworks in the future. She added that she would share the City's fireworks information with residents. Mayor Pro Tem Leon thanked City staff for their preparations for the Fourth of July and emphasized the importance of safe and sane fireworks sales as a major annual fundraiser for local schools, nonprofit organizations, and veterans groups. He shared his personal experience volunteering at a fireworks stand and noted that the proceeds provide meaningful financial support for programs and activities. He requested clarification on the deployment of the 15 officers dedicated to fireworks enforcement, including whether they represent additional personnel and how they will be assigned throughout the City. Lieutenant Rodriguez confirmed that the 15 officers would include a mixture of different teams spread out throughout the busiest areas of the City. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Leon, Lieutenant Rodriguez clarified that the 15 officers assigned to fireworks enforcement are primarily additional personnel brought in specifically for the holiday period, including members of a suppression team and officers from various units across the department. He added that these dedicated enforcement resources will be deployed not only on the Fourth of July, but also on July 2 and July 3. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 49 of 52 Mayor Pro Tern Leon inquired what message the City would give to residents who might believe enforcement efforts diminish later in the evening. Lieutenant Rodriguez responded that, although aerial enforcement resources such as drones and helicopters become less effective after dark due to heavy smoke from fireworks, ground -based suppression and enforcement teams will remain deployed throughout the night. He added that officers would continue responding to calls for service and proactively patrol known fireworks hot spots. Mayor Pro Tem Leon asked whether evidence submitted by residents through the Anaheim Anytime app, including photos or videos of illegal fireworks, could be used to support a citation, or whether the violation must be directly observed by a City officer or drone before enforcement action can be taken. Lieutenant Rodriguez explained that third -party photos or videos submitted by residents may present evidentiary challenges, including verifying their authenticity and accuracy. He added that while submissions may assist an investigation, the citations will more commonly be based on evidence collected directly by City personnel through officer observations, drone footage, helicopter surveillance, or other official investigative methods. He noted that each case would be evaluated individually based on the available evidence. Mayor Pro Tern Leon thanked City staff for their extensive efforts to prepare for the Fourth of July and emphasized the importance of public safety in the City's fireworks enforcement efforts. He acknowledged the memory of Jasmine Nguyen, an eight -year -old Anaheim resident who tragically lost her life in an incident involving illegal fireworks the previous year, and encouraged residents to honor her memory by making safe, responsible choices and remaining vigilant during holiday celebrations to help protect the community. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Chief Communications Officer Lyster advised residents who witness active illegal fireworks activity to call the Anaheim Police Department's non -emergency line, as reports submitted through the City's website may not be reviewed immediately and could experience delays, particularly on weekends. He reminded residents to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency or immediate danger. Informational item; no formal action taken by the City Council. D116 27. ORDINANCE NO. (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, adding Chapter 6.110 (Grocery and Drug Store Staffing for Self -Service Checkout Stations) to Title 6 (Public Health and Safety) of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to grocery and drug store staffing standards for self- service checkout stations. Item No. 27 was withdrawn by Council Member Kurtz. PUBLIC HEARING: D154 28. Public Hearing on the status of City vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts, pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 (Government Code Section 3502.3). Receive and file the report on the status of City vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts, pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 (Government Code Section 3502.3). City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 50 of 52 Director of Human Resources Linda Andal reported that AB 2561 mandates that public agencies report on full-time staffing vacancies, recruitment and retention efforts, and actions taken to improve hiring processes before adopting the annual budget. She explained that the intent of AB 2561 was to promote adequate staffing levels and reduce operational challenges associated with vacancies, such as employee burnout and increased turnover. She noted that AB 2561 also requires additional reporting when vacancies within a single bargaining unit reach 20% or more of authorized full-time positions. She reported that the City remains well below the 20% threshold across all bargaining units. She stated that in accordance with AB 2561, all labor organizations were notified of the hearing, informed of vacancy levels within their respective bargaining units, and invited to participate; however, no labor groups requested to address the Council. Director Andal reported that the City has five labor unions representing ten bargaining units, none of which exceeds the statutory vacancy threshold. She stated that as of May 1111, the City had 2,082 represented full-time positions, with 149 vacancies, resulting in an overall vacancy rate of approximately 7%. She explained that although vacancy levels remain relatively low, Human Resources continues collaborating with departments to address recruitment challenges through targeted and creative hiring strategies tailored to departmental operational needs. She highlighted the City's recruitment activity, reporting 278 successful recruitments for represented full-time positions since the previous fiscal year. She stated that Human Resources reviewed approximately 33,000 job applications, resulting in more than 700 hires across full-time and part-time positions, including 427 new hires and 263 promotions. She added that the City also maintains approximately 1,300 part-time positions. She reported that applications increased by 21 % compared with the previous year, which staff attributed to strong public interest in public service careers, Anaheim's reputation as an employer, expanded recruitment outreach, increased use of online recruitment platforms and social media, and competitive compensation, benefits, and employee programs. Director Andal highlighted several initiatives implemented to improve recruitment and reduce hiring timelines, including enhanced onboarding procedures that provide candidates with employment documents, benefits information, and required training before their first day; expanded use of Spark Hire one-way virtual interviews to increase scheduling flexibility and improve applicant screening; implementation of critical testing that reduced dispatcher hiring timelines by approximately four weeks; and the addition of supplemental background investigators and POST -certified psychologists to accelerate police and fire hiring. She noted continued participation in career fairs and college recruitment events. She highlighted Recruitment Manager Luz Flores and her team of five for managing recruitment, testing, and onboarding efforts across all City departments. Director Andal reported that the City maintains a 95% employee retention rate. She credited the rate to ongoing investments in employees, including maintaining competitive compensation through regular classification and salary evaluations targeted at the 75th percentile of the market, longevity incentives for certain classifications, employee development opportunities, wellness initiatives such as health fairs, biometric and longevity screenings, vision pop-up events, and the City's employee Vitality program. Director Andal concluded the presentation by emphasizing the City's commitment to recognizing and appreciating its employees through employee appreciation events and other recognition efforts. She stated that the City continues to evaluate and improve its recruitment, hiring, and retention practices and remains focused on attracting, developing, and retaining a talented workforce capable of delivering high -quality services to the Anaheim community. At 9:05 p.m., Mayor Aitken opened the public hearing. Marc Herbert suggested allowing longer public comment periods on evenings with lighter agendas. He referenced staffing shortages discussed during the previous year's AB 2561 hearing, particularly City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 51 of 52 vacancies in police and fire dispatch, and acknowledged the ongoing challenge of remaining competitive in the job market. He emphasized that competitive compensation is an important recruitment and retention tool and encouraged the City to expand housing assistance programs for employees. He suggested exploring additional funding sources, including an entertainment tax and greater pursuit of state affordable housing grant programs, noting that other cities, such as Santa Ana, have successfully secured state funding while Anaheim has not. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that no electronic public comments were submitted regarding Public Hearing Item No. 28. At 9:05 p.m., Mayor Aitken closed the public hearing. MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to receive and file the report on the status of City vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts, pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 (Government Code Section 3502.3), seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: reportable action. PUBLIC COMMENTS (non -agenda items): COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: City Attorney Robert Fabela stated there was no None Council Member Kurtz requested recognitions for three students at Anaheim Ballet, Logan Ostaszewski, Antonella Villa, and Shane Wexelman, for representing Anaheim at the Youth America Grand Prix. She also requested a recognition for the Madres Comunidad Ponderosa for coordinating the Ponderosa Park Christmas Tree Lighting each year and for their community work. She invited the Visit Anaheim Marketing Manager to provide a presentation on industry standards reports and how the data is collected. Council Member Maahs requested a recognition for George Gilliam for his leadership at Creative Identity. She shared he has helped adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build confidence, creativity, and meaningful community connections through art for more than 30 years. Council Member Rubalcava requested a recognition for Leonardo Salazar and to adjourn the meeting in memory of Alan Graner. Mayor Pro Tern Leon requested a recognition for the 100th birthday of Angie Beccia. He requested a recognition for the Servite High School Boys' Golf team for their CIF Southern Section Championship and the Servite Track and Field team for the back-to-back CIF Championship. He added that the Track and Field team finished as the nation's best in all three relays. He requested a recognition for Hot Car Awareness Day and a recognition for the 100th birthday of Marie Antoineta Bueno. City Council Minutes of June 9, 2026 Page 52 of 52 ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council, in memory of Fred Hunter, Alan Graner, and Tran Augustino Cau, at 9:13 p.m. RespectfUlv sul0mitted, TheresTPassi AMC City Clerk From: Julie Filppi Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2026 11:35 AM To: Ashleigh Aitken; Ryan Balius; Carlos A. Leon; Natalie Rubalcava; Norma C. Kurtz; Kristen Maahs; Natalie Meeks; Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] California Pro -Housing Designation Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Councilmembers, Anaheim should not seek or accept Prohousing status in a way that treats wildfire evacuation safety as an "anti -housing constraint." The City should clarify that nothing in the Prohousing application limits its ability to deny, reduce, redesign, or require additional analysis for housing projects in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, high evacuation - risk corridors, or areas where emergency evacuation times are already unsafe. The City's Prohousing application should include an express safety clarification that prohousing policies will be implemented in a manner consistent with wildfire evacuation safety, emergency access, CEQA, fire -code requirements, and site -specific hazard review, and that the City will not rely on the designation to justify additional residential density in high -fire -risk areas unless evacuation impacts are fully studied and mitigated. In addition, It is my understanding that the deadline for public comment on this issue is June 11, however, the final City Council vote is set for June 9th, which is 2 days prior to the deadline. If this is true, I am requesting that the vote be delayed until the public has had the opportunity to be heard. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Julie Filppi Anaheim Resident -----Original Message ----- From: Dee Ann Gagliano Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2026 1:01 PM To: Christine Nguyen <CNguyen2@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Calif. Pro Housing [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am writing to ask that the City Council would vote NO on the California Pro Housing. This is taking our rights and decisions and giving them to the State. I am completely against this decision! Please vote NO!!! Dee Ann Gagliano Sent from my Wad -----Original Message ----- From: Rouhina Mehregan Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 7:51 PM To: Christine Nguyen <CNguyen2@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] CA pro housing designation [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. As I write this email I'm pretty sure anaheim council will do whatever they please no matter what the residents want. So this is likely a waste of my time. We don't need more housing. You guys already surpassed the housing requirement set by CA and shoved even more development above what was required. The citizens of anaheim deserve the right to have the very tiny amounts of breathing room left. Stop trying to turn Orange County into a rat hole that LA is. Stop lining your pockets at the expense of the citizens of this city. Stop taking kick backs behind closed doors. None of you are there to make a positive change. No one is fooled. We have been saying no to more housing but you guys keep shoving. No representation for the people. You all must not believe in God or karma. TLDR: NO to more housing if it wasn't obvious. Sent from my iPhone -----Original Message ----- From: Rick Pollgreen Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 2:55 PM To: Christine Nguyen <CNguyen2@anaheim.net> Cc: Ashleigh Aitken <AAitken@anaheim.net>; Ashleigh Aitken <ashleigh@ashleighaitken.com> Subject: [EXTERNAL] California Pro -Housing Designation Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hi, I am a concerned resident of anaheim hills. I know there is a big push to add housing in so cal. BUT I URGE SOMEONE TO THINK THIS THROUGH BETTER! How about adding in roads and infrastructure to support more people and cars in our extreme fire hazard area that is already overcrowded? Nothing has been done for over 20 years here. Do the right thing here! Prepare, then build if you must! But building and adding more people and cars into this area is truly irresponsible if you don't add infrastructure first! Sincerely, Rick Pollgreen Anaheim CA. 92807 From: KATHY CHANCE Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 6:40 AM To: Public Comment; Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] IN SUPPORT: Business Calendar item #26 on the 6.9.2026 Anaheim City Councilagenda Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am IN SUPPORT of Business Calendar item #26 on the 6/9/2026 Anaheim City Council agenda which is an informational presentation by Anaheim Police Chief CID, concurred by Anaheim Fire Chief RUSSELL to outline emergency response, enforcement operations, confiscation of illegal fireworks, and the deployment of drones and a helicopter to support enforcement activities for the upcoming 4th of July 2026 and thereafter. Prayers to the Nguyen family on the loss of their beautiful 8-year old former Anaheim resident JASMINE NGUYEN on the first anniversary of her brutal death in Buena Park on the 4th of July 2025 due to illegal fireworks. From: KATHY CHANCE Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 7:13 AM To: Public Comment; Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] REMEMBERING 8-yr old Anaheim resident JASMINE NGUYEN who was horrifically killed by illegal fireworks in Buena Park on 4th of July 2025 Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-accused-in-fireworks-related-death-of-girl-8-in-orange-county-identified/ It has been almost one year and there has been no further word on prosecuting Earl Decastro of Buena Park for launching illegal fireworks which misfired and killed 8-year old Anaheim resident JASMINE NGUYEN. Public records indicate Earl Decastro is or was at the time, A FIRE INSPECTOR! The Buena Park city council along with Buena Park Police Dept along with OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer have all remained quiet on this issue as we approach the first anniversary of this precious girl's horrific and AVOIDABLE DEATH! We need JUSTICE TO BE SERVED! WE NEED NEWS MEDIA OUT IN FULL FORCE ON JULY 4, 2026! DEMAND ANSWERSH! DEMAND ANSWERS FROM THE BUENA PARK CITY COUNCIL! DEMAND ANSWERS FROM THE OC BOARD OF SUPERVISORS! DEMAN ANSWERS FROM DA TODD SPITZER! REMEMBER JASMINE NGUYEN! Please be responsible, Anaheim, this 4th of July so that another one of our residents isn't taken by illegal fireworks whether in our own city or that of our neighboring cities. Demand Buena Park PD press charges! Demand accountability! From: KATHY CHANCE Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 1:19 PM To: Public Comment; Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] IN SUPPORT: Business Calendar item #7, 6.9.2026 Anaheim City Council mtng Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I AM IN 100% FULL SUPPORT OF: 7. ORDINANCE NO. (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, adding Chapter 6.110 (Grocery and Drug Store Staffing for Self -Service Checkout Stations) to Title 6 (Public Health and Safety) of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to grocery and drug store staffing standards for self-service checkout stations. From: Celeste Wilson <cwilson@lbchamber.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 4:00 PM To: Public Comment; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 27 1 SCO Overregulation Caution I Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Attachments: Anaheim -June 9_SCO Staffing.pdf You don't often get email from cwilson@lbchamber.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good afternoon, My name is Celeste Wilson, I am the Government Affairs Manager for the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber), representing the policy interests of over 1,000 regional members. Please find attached the letter outlining The Chamber's cauttionary message for Agenda Item 27, the introduction of an ordinance pertaining to Self -Service Checkout Stations for drug and grocery retailers. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best, Celeste Wilson Government Affairs Manager Lona Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 1 World Trade Center Ste 101 Long Beach, CA 90831 Direct: 562-435-9594 Cell: Email: cwilson Ibchamber.com NTheChambff Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce The Long Beach Business Organization since 1891 Catalyst for business growth, Convener of leaders and influencers, and a Champion for a stronger community June 9, 2026 Honorable Mayor & Anaheim City Council 200 S Anaheim Blvd Anaheim, CA 92805 Subject: Agenda Item 27 — Grocery and Drug Store Staffing for Self -Service Checkout Stations Ordinance Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members: On behalf of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber), representing over 1,000 regional members, I am writing to respectfully caution against overregulation of grocery and drug retailers through the proposed self-service checkout ordinance. Retail theft and workplace safety are legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful policy responses. However, there is a meaningful difference between establishing reasonable operational standards and imposing rigid mandates that unintentionally punish brick -and -mortar grocers already facing extraordinary economic and competitive pressures. The City of Long Beach recently adopted one of the most restrictive self -checkout ordinances in California. The resulting operational burdens and liability exposure have led affected retailers to eliminate self -checkout services altogether rather than attempt to comply with the ordinance's rigid staffing mandates and litigation framework. While well-intentioned, policies that effectively reduce consumer convenience, increase operating costs, and limit operational flexibility ultimately risk harming the very neighborhood grocery and pharmacy access local governments seek to protect. California's brick -and -mortar grocers and pharmacies are essential community institutions that provide critical access to food, medicine, and household necessities. We respectfully encourage the Anaheim City Council to avoid repeating these mistakes by pursuing a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety without imposing unworkable mandates on retailers. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jeremy Harris President & CEO Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 1 World Trade Center, Suite 101. Long Beach, CA 90831 -101 Phone (562) 436-1251 • Fax (562) 436-7099 • info()tbchamber.com Elbchamber.com 9]lbchamber 0 thelbchamber O longbeachchamber Blake Carri From: Birkel, T.J. <tj.birkel@kroger.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:22 AM To: Public Comment; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Self Checkout Ordinance Some people who received this message don't often get email from tj.birkel@kroger.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good morning. On behalf of Ralph's, I am writing with regard to the self -checkout ordinance on the agenda for tonight's City Council meeting. I want to start by thanking Mayor Aitken, Councilmember Campos Kurtz, and city staff for their thoughtful engagement on this issue. We appreciate that each of you proactively engaged with the city's grocers, and worked to understand our perspective as you crafted the ordinance. From our perspective, it is not necessary to regulate self -checkout. Brick -and -mortar grocers serve a vital role in the communities where we operate, and we face an ever-increasing set of challenges from regulation, inflation, and competition from online retailers. Many consumers prefer self -checkout, and we are focused on being responsive to our customers' needs. That said, we understand the ordinance will likely move forward this evening, and we hope the final product will incorporate the grocers' perspective, especially when it comes to staffing ratios. Again, we greatly appreciate the way in which you have engaged in this process, and we look forward to continuing to work with you. Thankyou. T.J. Birkel Head of Government Affairs Ralph's This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is confidential and protected by law from unauthorized disclosure. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Blake Carri From: Courtney Carranza <Courtney.Carranza@pavilions.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:43 AM To: Public Comment; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Sent on behalf of Wayne Denningham: Proposed Self -Checkout Ordinance Some people who received this message don't often get email from courtney.carranza@pavilions.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken and Honorable Councilmembers, On behalf of Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions, which proudly operates 4 stores and employs 299 associates in Anaheim, I want to thank you for taking the time to better understand the grocery industry and the potential impacts of the proposed regulation on self -checkout. As neighborhood grocers, we play a vital role in the communities we serve. Beyond providing access to fresh, affordable food, we are significant local employers and serve as retail anchors that help drive traffic and economic activity in surrounding shopping centers. We respectfully ask that the Council carefully consider the importance of avoiding overregulation of brick -and -mortar grocery stores. Today's customers value convenience, flexibility, and choice in how they shop. Many shoppers regularly choose self -checkout for smaller, quicker trips, and it has become an expected option for a large segment of our customers. Overregulation in this area could unintentionally limit our ability to offer self -checkout, removing a preferred shopping option and potentially driving customers to seek alternative ways to purchase groceries elsewhere. This not only impacts our stores, but also the broader local economy we support. Ensuring that brick -and -mortar grocers remain competitive with other convenient purchasing options is critical to our long-term success. We are committed to continuing to serve Anaheim residents with accessible, efficient, and customer -focused grocery experiences, and we appreciate your partnership in maintaining a balanced and supportive regulatory environment. Thank you again for your consideration and for your continued leadership in supporting our community. Sincerely, Wayne Denningham EVP and President, Southern California Division Warning: All e-mail sent to this address will be received by the corporate e-mail system, and is subject to archival and review by someone other than the recipient. This e-mail may contain proprietary information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient(s), you are notified that you have received this message in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately. From: Bulmaro Vicente <boomer@chispaoc.org> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:09 PM To: Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment Item 27 Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hi, Please find Chispa's letter of support for Item 27. In Solidarity, Boomer Policy and Political Director I Chispa e: boomerochispaoc.org c: 1505 E 17th Street Suite 117 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Chispa is building a political home for young Latinxs in Orange County! Please consider making a donation to help us build our casita. Chispa is a project of Tides Advocacy, a 501c4 non-profit organization. Chispa I /, June 9, 2026 Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and Members of City Council City of Anaheim 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 Re: Item 27 - Self -Service Checkout Standards Ordinance Dear Mayor Aitkens and Members of the City Council, On behalf of Chispa, we write to continue to express our strong support for Item #27, the adoption of the ordinance establishing staffing and operational standards for self-service checkout stations in drug and food retail establishments in the City of Anaheim (City). The rapid expansion of self-service checkout systems has raised legitimate concerns around employee workload and equitable access to staffed checkout services. This ordinance represents a thoughtful and proactive response to these challenges, ensuring that these systems do not come at the expense of worker protections or public safety. Retail workers are often placed in difficult positions when overseeing multiple self -checkout stations simultaneously, increasing stress and the potential for conflict. Establishing clear staffing standards will help ensure that employees are adequately supported and that customers have access to assistance when needed. The City has the opportunity to join a growing number of cities, including Santa Ana, Long Beach and Costa Mesa, that have taken steps to regulate self-service checkout systems. By adopting this ordinance, the City will continue to position itself as a leader in balancing innovation with fairness, safety, and accountability. For these reasons, we respectfully urge the City Council to continue their unanimous support and adopt the proposed ordinance. This policy is a common sense step toward protecting workers, supporting customers, and ensuring that our local economy operates in a way that reflects our community's values. Best, 44W 44t,- Bulmaro Vicente, Policy and Political Director -----Original Message ----- From: Jeanine McCaffrey Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:38 PM To: Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Staffing self-service checkouts [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderidentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. To Anaheim Counvilmembers: Please let stores run their own businesses. Let stores decide their check-out needs and policies. If customers or employees don't like the policies, they can choose to shop or work elsewhere. Stay out of micro -managing private businesses! Thank you! Jeanine McCaffrey Anaheim, CA. 92806 From: Eric Dutra Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:53 PM To: Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning,: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Honorable Members of the Anaheim City Council, Thank you for taking the time to hear my perspective on the proposed self -checkout ordinance. As a newlywed hoping to start a family in Anaheim, I have a personal stake in the policies that shape the lives of residents like me, and I appreciate the council's thoughtful consideration of this issue. As you continue evaluating this proposal, I respectfully ask that you consider the impact additional regulations may have on Anaheim families. At a time where Californians are facing some of the highest costs of living in the country, many of us are doing everything we can to make ends meet and build a stable future for our families. Like many others, I often rely on multiple sources of income and carefully manage my time and household budget. Convenience and affordability matter. Self -checkout has become an important option for many consumers, helping us save time while maintaining flexibility in our daily lives. I am concerned that additional restrictions could make everyday shopping less convenient and potentially increase costs for families already feeling the strain of rising prices. I respectfully urge you to keep families like mine as you consider this proposal and to support policies that preserve consumer choice, convenience, and affordability for Anaheim residents. Thank you for your service to our community and for considering my perspective. Thanks, Eric Dutra From: Perez, LuisAndres <LuisAndres.Perez@asm.ca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 4:54 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Updated Letter Attachments: Anaheim Self Checkout.pdf You don't often get email from luisandres.perez@asm.ca.gov. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello my name is LuisAndres Perez, I am submitting this updated letter supporting addressing the Anaheim Self Checkout Lane legislation on behalf of Assemblyman Avelino Valencia. I will also be in attendance at the Anaheim City council meeting to read the letter of support into the public record. Avelino Valencia ASSEMBLYMEMBER, SIXTY EIGHTH DISTRICT June 9, 2026 Mayor Ashleigh Aitken 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 Re: Item #27 Self -Checkout Lane Ordinance Dear Mayor Aitken, City Council: COMMITTEES: CHAIR: BANKING AND FINANCE INSURANCE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, AND TOURISM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION California Legislature I respectfully urge the Anaheim City Council to consider local policies addressing the growing use of self -checkout systems in grocery and retail stores throughout Anaheim. While self -checkout technology offers convenience, many residents continue to experience technical issues, accessibility challenges, and difficulty obtaining assistance due to reduced staffing levels. Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families often rely on readily available employee support when problems arise at self -checkout stations. I encourage the Council to explore reasonable standards requiring retailers utilizing self -checkout systems to maintain adequate staffing and customer assistance, including dedicated employee oversight and a specific one employee assigned for every three Self -Service Checkout Stations per customer (1.3 Ratio). These measures would help ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of customer service, accessibility, workforce stability, or safety for both customers and workers. For these reasons I respectfully urge the Council to pass Item #27. Thank you for your consideration and continued service to the residents of Anaheim. In Service, �11 Avelino Valencia State of California Assemblymember, 68t" District CAPITOL OFFICE: STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX 942849, SACRAMENTO. CA 94249-COOS G 161 319-2068 • FAX ,916; 319-2168 DISTRICT OFFICE: 2400 EAST KATF.LI A AVENUE SUITE 640 • ANAHFIM. CA 928C6 i714) 939 8469 • F4X (714; 939 8986 EMAIL: WEBSITE https:/Ya68.asmdc.org From: Perez, LuisAndres <LuisAndres.Perez@asm.ca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 2:18 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim Self Checkout Lane Attachments: anaheim selfcheckout lanejune 9.pdf You don't often get email from luisandres.perez@asm.ca.gov. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello my name is LuisAndres Perez, I am submitting this letter supporting addressing the Anaheim Self Checkout Lane legislation on behalf of Assemblyman Avelino Valencia. I will also be in attendance at the Anaheim City council meeting to read the letter of support into the public record. LuisAndres Perez Field Representative Office of Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, 6811 California Assembly District District Office: 714-939-8469 2400 E. Katella Ave Ste 640 Anaheim, CA 92806 Contact Us 4 V I)',. Avelino Valencia ASSEMBEYMEMBER, SIXTY EIGHTH DISTRICT June 9, 2026 Mayor Ashleigh Aitken 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 COMMITTEES: CHAIR: BANKING AND FINANCE INSURANCE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, AND TOURISM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION Re: SUPPORT —Self -Checkout Lane Legislation Dear Mayor Aitken, City Council: California Legislature I respectfully urge the Anaheim City Council to consider local policies addressing the growing use of self -checkout systems in grocery and retail stores throughout Anaheim. While self -checkout technology offers convenience, many residents continue to experience technical issues, accessibility challenges, and difficulty obtaining assistance due to reduced staffing levels. Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families often rely on readily available employee support when problems arise at self -checkout stations. I encourage the Council to explore reasonable standards requiring retailers utilizing self -checkout systems to maintain adequate staffing and customer assistance, including dedicated employee oversight and a sufficient number of traditional staffed checkout lanes. These measures would help ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of customer service, accessibility, or workforce stability. Thank you for your consideration and continued service to the residents of Anaheim. In Service, 4ta-L �1141 Avelino Valencia State of California Assemblymember, 68t" District CAPITOL OFFICE: STATE CAPITOL, P. 0. BOX 942849, SACRAbIENTO. CA 94249-DOGB (91 Gi 319-20G8 • FAX S9'6; 319 2168 OISTRIGT OFFICE: 2400 EAST KATELLA AVFNUE. SUITE 640 • ANAHFIM. CA 92806 i714) 939 8469 • FAX (714: 939 8986 EMAIL: WEBSITE ntYOs:i% 6R.asmrir,.�rg From: Mary Kasper <mkasper@superiorgrocers.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 2:45 PM To: Public Comment; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] City of Anaheim Potential Self -Checkout Regulation - Communication from Superior Grocers You don't often get email from mkasper@superiorgrocers.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken, Mayor Pro Tem Leon, Councilmember Balius, Councilmember Rubalcava, Councilmember Kurtz, Councilmember Maahs and Councilmember Meeks, On behalf of Superior Grocers, I am writing regarding the Self -Checkout Ordinance currently under consideration by the Anaheim City Council. Superior Grocers operates one store within the City, employing approximately 85 team members who serve thousands of local residents and visitors each week. We appreciate your time and consideration in understanding our business and the potential operational impacts of the proposed Ordinance. Brick -and -mortar grocers play a vital role in the community as food providers, local employers, and anchors for shopping centers that support a wide range of small businesses Our customers value the flexibility to choose between full -service checkout and self -checkout, particularly for smaller, routine purchases. Overregulation of self -checkout can introduce added labor and administrative burdens, costs that are ultimately passed on to customers or may force grocers to scale back or eliminate the self -checkout option altogether. Limiting these choices not only reduces customer convenience, but may also drive customers to alternative purchasing channels, undermining the accessibility and competitiveness of brick -and -mortar grocery stores. Superior Grocers values its partnership with the City of Anaheim, and we welcome the opportunity to engage constructively on this issue. Thank you for your consideration, your service to the community, and your attention to the concerns of your constituents. We would be pleased to provide additional information or answer any questions you may have. Respectfully, Mary Kasper Mary Kasper Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer Superior Grocers 15510 Carmenita Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Office: 562-345-8597 Mobile: mkasper _ superiorgrocers.com Welcome to Superior Grocers - Superior Grocers suPERIoR GROCERS. From: Lori Hughes Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 2:24 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Center Development Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. To Council Members who voted in favor of Festival Center Development, I want you all to know that you have created a very worried, angry, and unhappy group of Anaheim residents here in the hills. You have all chosen greedy developers over the safety of the people who live here. You all know that Anaheim Hills has fulfilled their housing obligations over and above at least 2 other districts. How could you even think that it would be okay to add high density housing without proper infrastructure to what is already a death trap for many of us here. Now instead of enjoying our lives here, we all have to live in the fear of one day being met by fire we might not be able to escape. Many tax paying people here are so discouraged, and are packing their bags to get out of "pacific palisades south". Those of us who are staying for now, are going to fight like hell to protect our homes and families. There is a growing movement in our district to take matters into our own hands since you have all chosen your own political and financial gain over our lives. You are all tone deaf beyond anything I have ever witnessed in my life, and many of us here feel so betrayed. I say all of the above with a heart of mercy and compassion for each of you, personally. All humans are imperfect and flawed. My hope is that you will all recognize the sin you are visiting on the Anaheim Hills Residents, take accountability, and reverse course. Thank you, and may God bless all of you. Sincerely, Lori Hughes From: Lori Hughe Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 4:51 PM To: Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Know your way and Emergency checklist. There is only one way out of the Hills. I'm sure those emergency supplies will do the trick. NOT! This is what you council members left us with while you all sleep tight in your own low risk fire distri... Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. A ,► �♦ x�\4 r 4 . , Emergency Preparedness Checklist The next time a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last at least 72 hours. Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Remember to consider the unique needs of each person or pet! A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: Water - one gallon per person per day for at 13 Manual can opener least three days, for drinking and sanitation 0 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 0 Food - at least a three day supply of non- ® Cell phone with cable and solar -powered perishable food phone charger [] Battery -powered or hand crank radio and a 13 Cloth face coverings, hand sanitizer and NOAA weather radio with tone alert disinfecting wipes E3 Flashlight and extra batteries 0 Prescription medicines 13 First aid kit [3 Non-prescription medicines such as pain relievers J3 Whistle to signal for help and local maps and antacids 13 Dust mask to help filter contaminated air E3 Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution j3 Plastic sheeting and duct tape to 0 Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper shelter in place rash cream Moist towelettes, feminine hygiene 0 Extra food and water for your pet supplies, garbage bags and plastic ties 0 Cash and change • for personal sanitation For more information visit: http://anaheim.net/BeReady Y '+ 2 From: Lori Hughes <hughes.lori.lynn@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 9:09 PM To: Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] To Anaheim City Council Members re: high density developments in Anaheim Hills Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Anaheim is not just meeting the State's housing expectations but it is aggressively exceeding them. These state housing incentives can encourage cities to approve more density, reduce parking requirements, and give up local control in exchange for access to state funding. In theory, Anaheim could be rewarded for approving a large housing project with little or even no required parking, while residents are left dealing with the real -world consequences: more traffic, less parking, greater evacuation pressure, and more strain on neighborhoods that were never designed for this level of density. California often starts with nice - sounding ideas. But too often, the consequences are pushed onto the people who actually live here. Anaheim should not trade away local control, public safety, and common sense just to chase another Sacramento housing badge. From: Lori Hughes Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] This would be the nail in the coffin for Anaheim Hills Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. NOTICE OF PROJECT APPLICATION APLN-DEV2024-00074 TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 194, From: Lori Hughes Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2026 9:28 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim City Council Members Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. To all Anaheim City Council Members; Do not, I repeat, do not, change Anaheim Hills with all of the housing developments that you are looking to put in our area! Where is your rational thought process? Are you only interested in the revenue these developments will bring in to further fund all of ways you are subsidizing people in your districts so you can secure their votes? You are exploiting the people of Anaheim Hills who you think have tons of money to just keep handing out to many people who are not even legally here, and are stealing funds from your State to give them. Many of them are living a better quality of life than we citizens who worked hard our whole lives for anything we have. I grew up in the flatlands of Anaheim, and my whole family worked hard to be contributing members of this community. There came a time when the neighborhoods near me began to change for the worse. At that point, It became my goal to work hard to be able to buy in the Hills of Anaheim, where things were still beautiful, and had not gone downhill like so many other districts in Anaheim. After years, I finally got here. Now, this area is facing a complete change with all of the new developments in the works, and still, no real way out when the fires come. Do you really think that this well established community is going to always be here to absorb what you are potentially inflicting upon us? Heck no!!! Your greedy aspirations are going to destroy a whole community of serious tax paying citizens. Mark my words, this place will become a ghost town in no time, and you will have lost the biggest tax base you could have ever had in this community and in this State because many of us will leave. The new developments will be empty, and this whole area will become just another tragic casualty in the wake of poor governance both State wide and locally. Focus your efforts on cleaning up your own districts, and leave us alone!!!!!!!! Do not rob us of the way we want to live our lives here in the Hills. This is our community, not your's to play with in the service of greedy developers who promise great benefits to you. Truly examine your hearts, and think of us! We are, and have been, the best members of the Anaheim community you could ever want. Thankyou, Lori Hughes From: Lori Hughes Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2026 8:10 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim Hills: Our Future, and Anaheim City Council members don't care. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Rep. Lou Correa<repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 3:11 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] 5.15.26 Weekly Newsletter Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. LOU C"RREA REPRESENTATIVE/,wCALIFORNIA'S 46T" DISTRICT Hello, Sq DOWNTOWN �i ` EtANGE� (I. aF yam- �fppfs�` It's been another busy week in our Washington, D.C. office as we continue working on the issues that matter most to our community. This week also marks National Police Week — a time to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of the law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe and to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty. NATIONAL POLICE WEEK It was great meeting with and Every day, these dedicated men and women put their lives on the line to keep Orange County families safe. I'm grateful for their service and for everything they do to strengthen and protect our community. 1 Rep. Correa greets Santa Ana Police Chief Rodriguez. Rep. Correa welcomes Anaheim Law Enforcement Officers and Air Veterans to his DC office. SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS All gave some, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Our veterans were willing to give their lives to defend American freedom and democracy. It is now our moral duty to provide them with the highest -quality mental health care. This week, I addressed veteran mental health in the following ways: - Introduced the , bipartisan legislation aimed at improving mental health outcomes for veterans and helping reduce veteran suicide rates by expanding access to evidence -based suicide prevention care. Successfully included an amendment into the Military Construction VA FY27 funding bill, highlighting the importance of funding medical research at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The funding bill cut $45 million from the annual VA's medical research funding, potentially impacting research into psychedelic therapy. - Sponsored the , an event hosted by the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations and Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research that highlighted cutting -edge research benefiting veterans and the American public while also identifying policy, regulatory, and operational barriers that slow down innovation. - Spoke at the Psychedelic Federal Summit. Joined Rep. General Jack Bergman to speak about how science shows that psychedelics are delivering game -changing results to treat PTSD for veterans. - Interviewed by of CBS News about how psychedelic therapy could be a magic cure for veterans suffering from PTSD, and needs further study. 4 CBS Network News' Major Garrett interviews Rep. Correa about psychedelic drug research. THANKING MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS Meals on Wheels is an important lifeline for many seniors in Orange County. Thank you to all the who dedicate their time and compassion to serving our community. Rep. Correa thanks Orange County Meals on Wheels volunteers. FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CITY OF ORANGE I joined the City of Orange for the grand opening of the Hart Park. Proud to have secured $2 million in federal funding to help make this project possible and invest in healthier, stronger communities. Rep. Correa and local Orange officials at the ribbon cutting of Orange's new pickleball courts at Hart Park. Senior Appreciation Event Every May, Older Americans Month honors the contributions and lasting impact of older adults in our communities. In celebration of the seniors in my district, I'm inviting you to join us for a special Senior Appreciation Celebration on Friday, May 29. Make sure to register . We look forward to recognizing and celebrating you. f I LOU C,.,.RREA REPRESENTATIVE/,w+CALIFORNIA'S 46" DISTRICT SENIOR APPRECIATION EVENT Like Butterflies, Our Elders Shine in Every Season. Join Congressman Correa's Date Celebration of Older Adults! Friday, May 29, 2025 /1 Time; Light Refreshments 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Presentation on Downtown Anaheim Aging My Way - My Life, My Plan Community Center by the 250 E. Center Street 4b Council of Aging Southern California. Tabling Community Organizations: Tour of the Center Greens Butterfly Garden . City of Anaheim Older Adult Program * 'North Orange Continuing Education • SoCal Financial Education Center REGISTER VIA THE OR CODE CAR CALL MY OFFICE AT 714-559-6190 8 That's a wrap on another great week working for you in Washington, D.C. If you are experiencing any issues with a federal agency, my office is hereto help. Give us a call at (714) 559-6190. We are happy to help you. Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! � O o Visit my website to learn more! Contact Me Washington D.C. 1039 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Santa Ana Rancho Santiago Community College Building 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. From: Rep. Lou Correa<repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov> Sent: Friday, May 22, 2026 6:16 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Weekly Update: Lou Honors Our Veterans Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. L' OU C RREA I DOWNTO KANGEA (I REPRESENTATIVE/,wCALIFORNIA'S 46T" DISTRICT 1r 7` # Dear Friend, As we approach Memorial Day, we also pause to honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage and selflessness remind us of the true meaning of this holiday and the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy every day. We remain deeply grateful to the service members, veterans, and military families whose dedication and sacrifice continue to strengthen our country and our communities. 1 Here are a couple of things I wanted to highlight this week: HONORING OUR VETERANS I have been a strong advocate for Orange County's community of more than 100,000 Veterans. In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to share a few highlights of my recent work for veterans locally and across the country: • I co-founded the with Republican Representative General Jack Bergman to address ways to alleviate the national mental health crisis through psychedelic science and research. We have in Congress to promote suffering from PTSD, through advocating for more research funding and eventual inclusion of approved psychedelic therapies into once it is approved by the FDA. CNN's Jake Tapper interviewed Rep. Bergman and me about the promise that psychedelic - assisted therapy shows. Watch the interview • Introduced the Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving mental health outcomes for veterans and helping reduce veteran suicide rates by expanding access to evidence -based suicide prevention care. • Women Veteran Resource Fair. In March, my office was proud to host a Women Veteran Resource Fair. Attendees had access to VA and benefits information, health and wellness resources, employment and education support, and community organizations. This event was dedicated to recognizing their service and bringing together trusted organizations, service providers, and advocates in one place to provide meaningful support. . In March, I joined House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Representative Derek Tran, local elected officials, and community representatives from veteran service organizations (VSOs) in Orange County to discuss unique challenges facing veterans and servicemembers. Topics discussed included: o Efforts to create a veteran cemetery at in Anaheim Hills. o Impacts of funding cuts to critical veteran benefits and services. o Delivering justice for who have been wrongfully targeted by ICE. o How this Administration's war in Iran has cost U.S. servicemembers their lives. Q . We are forever indebted to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom and allowed us to build a better future for the next generation. Watch my floor speech Rep. Correa honors fallen soldiers on the House floor. FIGHTING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Orange County is facing a , making it difficult for families to achieve the American dream of homeownership. That's why, as the co-chair of the Real Estate Caucus, I'm proud to have helped pass a bipartisan List Century ROAD to housing.,to make housing more affordable and encourage the building of new homes across Southern California. This bill includes the , which I co -led, that will remove a federal chassis requirement that has unnecessarily raised the price of manufactured housing. My Republican colleague and fellow Real Estate Caucus co-chair, Rep. Mark Alford, and I spoke with 535 News about the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Watch my interview 3 Rep. Lou Correa and Republican Rep. Mark Alford spoke to 535 News about affordable housing. That's a wrap on another productive week working for you in Washington, D.C. As always, my team and I are committed to serving the people of our community and making sure your voice is heard in Congress. If you are experiencing issues with a federal agency or need assistance navigating a federal matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to help. You can contact us at (714) 559-6190, and a member of my team will be happy to assist you. Wishing you and your family a meaningful Memorial Day weekend as we honor and remember the heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation. Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! 4 �rOo Visit my website to learn more! Contact Me Washington D.C. Santa Ana 2082 Rayburn House Office Building 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 Washington, DC 20515 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (202) 225-2965 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. From: Rep. Lou Correa<repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov> Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 1:15 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Senior Appreciation Event 5.29.2026 Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. LOU C"RREA REPRESENTATIVE/,wCALIFORNIA'S 46T" DISTRICT Hello, Sq DOWNTOWN �i ` EtANGE� (I, aF yam- �fppf��q Every May, Older Americans Month honors the contributions and lasting impact of older adults in our communities. In celebration of the seniors in my district, I'm inviting you to join us for a special Senior Appreciation Celebration this Friday, May 29 at 9:00 am. Make sure to register . We look forward to recognizing and celebrating you. 1 LOU C RREA REPRESENTATIVE/,wCALIFORNIA'S 46 "DISTRICT SENIOR APPRECIATION EVENT Like Butterflies, Our Elders Shine in Every Season. Join Congressman Correa's Date Celebration of Older Adults? Friday, May 29, 2026 Time Light Refreshments 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Presentation on Downtown Anaheim Aging My Way - My Life, My Plan Community Center by the 250 E. Center Street Council of Aging Southern California. Tabling Community Organizations: Tour of the Center Greens Butterfly Garden • City of Anaheim Older Adult Program • North Orange Continuing Education • SoCal Financial Education Center Q G) a� �� 43 En� REGISTER VIA THE QR CODE OR CALL MY OFFICE AT 7114-559-6190 Also —my office is here to help you! If you have questions about federal resources or need help with a federal agency, or would like to join us for one of our upcoming events, give us a call at (714) 559-6190. Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! .fl-*11@1101 Visit my website to learn more! Contact Me Washington D.C. 2082 Rayburn House Santa Ana Rancho Santiago Office Building Community College Building Washington, DC 20515 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. From: Rep. Lou Correa<repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2026 4:14 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Weekly Update: May 29th Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. L' OU C RREA I DOWNTO KANGEA (I REPRESENTATIVE/,wCALIFORNIA'S 46T" DISTRICT Dear Neighbor, Last week, Orange County faced an unprecedented public -health challenge after a major chemical incident at a Garden Grove aerospace manufacturing facility caused a mandatory evacuation of about 50,000 people throughout central Orange County, which included part of California's 46th Congressional District that I represent. My office and I worked with local, state, and federal agencies to address the crisis, as well as assisting evacuation shelters across the county. During this time, I was amazed by the sense of community shown in Orange County during a time of crisis and uncertainty. While spending time at the shelters, I was struck by how many were willing to step up to help neighbors in need. I am also incredibly thankful for our local fire departments, law enforcement, and other first responders for putting themselves in harm's way to protect our community and prevent a major tragedy. You are all truly heroes. If you or someone you know needs help on issues related to the hazmat crisis and evacuation, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (714) 559-6190. 1 Rep. Correa meets with American Red Cross staff. Here are some other highlights from my time working in the District: EGG & ISSUES On Tuesday, I had the honor of joining the Orange Chamber of Commerce for their It was a great opportunity to discuss legislation, community updates, federal funding priorities and — most importantly — to hear directly from residents and local leaders about the issues impacting our community. Thank you to everyone who and to Berkenda C, a member of the Executive Board of Directors at the Orange Chamber of Commerce, for inviting me to speak. Q Rep. Correa interviewed for the Eggs & Issues Podcast by Berkenda C. WELCOMING ANAHEIM'S POLICE CHIEF It was a pleasure meeting Anaheim's 38th Chief of Police Manny Cid. We discussed several important topics, including one of the greatest football rivalries in Orange County history between our two alma maters, Anaheim High School Colonists vs. Downey High School Vikings. Welcome , Chief Cid! 3 Rep. Correa poses for a photo with Anaheim's Police Chief Manny Cid. CONGRATS TO GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS This week, I attended six high school graduations throughout California's 46th Congressional District. This was an opportunity to congratulate the graduates on reaching this major milestone and to talk with them about their future plans. 4 Santa Ana High School graduates speak to Rep. Correa. CELEBRATING WOMEN OF THE YEAR Honored to celebrate this year's , an event that my office hosted to recognize maternal figures who have a meaningful impact in the 46th Congressional District. With everything happening in DC and around the world, it felt good to pause for a moment and recognize the women who consistently show up for our community in a real and impactful way. Congratulations to all of our awardees. We are already looking forward to next year's celebration. Rep. Lou Correa congratulates Women of the Year recipients. That's a wrap on another week working for you in Orange County. As always, my team and I are committed to serving the people of our community and making sure your voice is heard in Congress. If you are experiencing issues with a federal agency or need assistance navigating a federal matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to help. 6 You can contact us at (714) 559-6190, and a member of my team will be happy to assist you. Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! �rOo Visit my website to learn more! Contact Me Washington D.C. 2082 Rayburn House Office Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Santa Ana Rancho Santiago Community College Building 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. From: Rep. Lou Correa<repcorrea@mail8.housecommunications.gov> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 2:07 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fighting for OC in DC Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. .oh�oo,o�,.,,ry.M�o�aoe„�����,F�so��,.Fom�..���u. Dear Neighbor, I spent this week in Washington standing up for Orange County residents by confronting Secretary Mullin about how the Trump administration's immigration policies are not just targeting the "worst of the worst," but peaceful residents who have lived and served in our communities for decades. I also highlighted the brave and selfless work of our Orange County first responders and fought back against President Trump's illegal war in Iran. As I bring your stories to the halls of Congress, I wanted to take a moment to show you what I've been working on. This week, I confronted U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing about the Administration's dangerous and reckless immigration policies. I pressed the Secretary on delays in DACA renewals and highlighted two Orange County police officers who had to be let go of their jobs because of this Administration's paperwork processing delays. How does this make our community safer? We owe it to these public servants and other DACA recipients to renew their authorizations in a timely manner. Instead of focusing on real threats to our community, ICE has been arresting, beating up, and deporting American citizens without accountability. Last year, Republicans gave ICE $75 billion - more than 7 times its annual budget in one year -without any guardrails. Now they're proposing to give them nearly $40 billion more. ICE needs safeguards, not more money. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, I will continue demanding fairness, accountability, and a system focused on public safety. Click to see my remarks. r--] ...00,o........ ...ry.M.o...ao.e......... .... M...,o...... .F....o...Fom........... Congressman Correa confronted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the Administration's harmful immigration policies This week, I honored the heroic efforts of our first responders in Orange County who responded to the chemical incident on Memorial Day weekend. These selfless heroes put themselves into harm's way and sprang into action to protect our community. I am grateful for the city and county employees, Red Cross, and all the first responders and volunteers who stepped up to help when we needed it most. Click to view my remarks on the House floor. Congressman Correa honored Orange County first responders on the House floor after the recent chemical incident in Garden Grove This week, I voted for the fourth time to stop the Administration's illegal war in Iran. Fortunately, the House passed the Iran War Powers Resolution, which directs the President to remove U.S. armed forces from Iran that haven't been authorized by Congress. This illegal war has gone on for over 95 days, twice as long as the four to six weeks promised by the Administration and 35 days over the threshold required for Congressional authorization. Sadly, thirteen U.S. servicemembers have lost their lives and hundreds have been wounded because of this reckless war. I call on the President to immediately remove unauthorized troops from Iran. I am hosting the inaugural Men of Impact Awards, a celebration honoring our community's mentors, fathers, brothers, coaches, and community leaders making a positive impact and difference in the district. Please submit a nomination to my office sharing the story of those who have made positive contributions to our community The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 12, 2026. The celebration honoring nominees will be on Saturday, June 27, 2026. As always, I am committed to serving you, advocating for issues that matter to our community, and connecting you to important resources. If you are experiencing any issues with a federal agency, my office is hereto help. Give us a call at (714) 559-6190. Sincerely, Rep. Lou Correa Member of Congress Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others! Visit my website to learn more! Contact Me Washington D.C. Santa Ana 2082 Rayburn House Rancho Santiago Office Building Community College Building Washington, DC 20515 2323 N. Broadway, Suite 319 (202) 225-2965 Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 559-6190 Unsubscribe from future messages. An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know ❑x Official websites use .gov iA a we belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https.//means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. FBI Los Angeles Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller (310) 996-3343 Share on X X.com Share on Facebook Facebook Email Email May 14, 2026 Inland Empire Sex Offender, Accomplices Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging They Sex Trafficked Victims, Including a Minor A registered sex offender from San Bernardino County and two of his co-conspirators allmedia(a)-sbcglobal.net were arrested yesterday morning on a six -count federal indictment charging them with sex trafficking two victims —one of them a minor —in Southern California, threatening and eventually stabbing and injuring one of the victims after she escaped from them. Tyson Jamerson, 43, a.k.a. "West Coast," "West," of Colton, California, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of commission of a felony offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, one count of sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, one count of sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of threats by interstate communication. Also arrested yesterday were Jaidyn Nyle Steinberg, 21, a.k.a. "Sky," "Bunny," of Cherry Valley, California, and Ahliyah Monique Hinojosa Tavie, 20, a.k.a. "Tati," "Mrs. West Coast," of Eastvale, California. The defendants made their initial appearances and were arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. "The defendants preyed on a vulnerable child and young woman, who they lured with false promises, then sex trafficked them for defendants' enrichment," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. "This vile conduct will not be tolerated and we will aggressively prosecute anyone involved." "The defendants arrested today not only sexually exploited their victims, but violently attacked them," said Patrick Grandy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "The despicable crimes alleged in the indictment carry significant N penalties, including life in prison. The FBI will never stop pursuing human traffickers, who prey on the most vulnerable among us." According to the indictment that a federal grand jury returned on May 5, Jamerson and Hinojosa in September 2025 recruited and sex trafficked a minor victim whom they picked up in an area of San Bernardino notorious for commercial sex work. They recruited the victim and eventually took her to an Ontario motel, pressured her to take cocaine and marijuana, took photographs of her in lingerie, then transported her to various "blades" — streets known for commercial sex work — before she escaped. In a separate conspiracy, in November 2025, Steinberg recruited an adult victim at a blade in Hollywood to engage in commercial sex work for Steinberg's "pimp," Jamerson. The victim later met Jamerson in a Hollywood motel, where he enticed her to work for him as a commercial sex worker, convinced her to leave with him that night, and collected $500 — her commercial sex proceeds from the previous night — from her. The victim was taken to an Airbnb in Ontario, where she was not allowed to leave without Jamerson's permission and was forbidden from contacting friends or family. After Jamerson promised to help her save money for an apartment and a car, he took all her proceeds and left the victim with nothing. Jamerson and Steinberg stalked and berated the victim after she left Jamerson without paying him proceeds from her last day of work. Jamerson sent the victim threats via Instagram saying that he would injure her. The abuse ultimately resulted in Steinberg approaching the victim at a Pomona blade in February 2026, fighting her, and using a pocketknife to stab the victim in the abdomen, causing a deep cut that resulted in her hospitalization. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, Jamerson and Steinberg would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Jamerson also would face a mandatory 10-year consecutive prison sentence if convicted of committing a felony involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender. Hinojosa, if convicted, would face a 10-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence and a possible sentence of life in federal prison. The FBI and the Pomona Police Department are investigating this matter. The United States Marshals Service provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell and Mirelle Raza of the Major Crimes Section are prosecuting this case. 3 Most Wanted Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Terrorism Kidnappings / Missing Persons Seeking Information Bank Robbers Ix91_\% ViCAP FBI Jobs Submit a Tip Crime Statistics History FOI PA Scams & Safety FBI Kids News Stories Videos Press Releases Speeches and Testimony Podcasts and Radio Photos Espanol Apps How We Can Help You Law Enforcement Victims Parents and Caregivers Students Businesses Safety Resources Need an FBI Service or More Information? 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T, FBI FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI.gov Contact Center Search FBI HOME MOST WANTED NEWS WHAT WE INVESTIGATE HOW WE INVESTIGATE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU SUBMIT A TIP ABOUT CONTACT US ABOUT NEWS CRIME STATISTICS PHOTOS VIDEO OUTREACH HISTORY FOIA SCAMS & SAFETY FBI KIDS FBI JOBS From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "#breaking into my car this is my house you cannot do that you criminals religious people" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Sunday, May 17, 2026 6:27 PM [EXTERNAL] Watch "some more lies another supposedly restraining order Screw Christians in your church" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "this video explains family law is wicked and lawyers are part of it" onYouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Sunday, May 17, 2026 10:01 PM [EXTERNAL] The difference between Republican and Democratic states and churches Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] God bless America huh Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "#i'm supposed to live this way for your God I'm leaving your God freedom of religion" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] You and you're wearing crosses religious people Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. in the Bible it states that jewelry a cross is just a piece of jewelry +3 The Bible does not explicitly state that a cross is "just a piece of jewelry," nor does it explicitly command or forbid wearing one.The concept of the cross in the Bible generally falls into two categories:As a Symbol of Faith: The Bible mentions jewelry and ornaments, but the specific cross necklace did not exist as a Christian symbol during biblical times. Today, many Christians view wearing a cross simply as an expression or reminder of their faith.As a Metaphor: In the New Testament, Jesus uses the cross as a metaphor for sacrifice and discipleship, saying, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).Many scholars and theologians suggest that whether a cross necklace is just a piece of jewelry depends entirely on the intention of the wearer. It generally becomes problematic only if it is treated as a magical charm for protection or becomes an idol that replaces a true relationship with God.To explore more theological perspectives and denominational views on wearing religious items, you can read further through the detailed GotQuestions Christian Jewelry Guide or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association explanation on cross symbolism.Wearing a cross necklace in light of Exodus 20:4 - FacebookJul 2, 2022 — Should a Christian wear religious jewelry, such as a crucifix? There is much debate as to whether or not it is appropriate —or even sinful —to wear religious jewe... Facebook•Reformed Christian TeachingWhat Does the Bible Say About Wearing a Cross Necklace?Sep 23, 2024 — Cross Symbolism in Religion and Society. The cross is a symbol in Christianity and shows the sacrifice that Christ made to us as human beings. According to Scri... Pompeii3.comCan Christians Wear a Cross Necklace? ?' - YouTubeJun 16, 2025 — ... Some people say Christians shouldn't wear a cross. Others say it's a symbol of faith, not fashion. So what does the Bible really say? The cross necklace ...YouTube•Bible with Belle i. What does the Bible say about wearing a cross for protection?Dec 20, 2022 — Studied at Life Is Great When Lived Right Author has 597. • 3y. The Bible doesn't say we should wear the cross, but that we should bear the cross. There is a bi... Quora11 Bible Verses About Taking Up Your CrossJan 29, 2026—The Cruciform Life Have you ever heard the phrase, "Take up your cross?" This phrase is actually a powerful verse from the Bible that encourages us to live a cr... Ask About My Faith 1:101s Wearing a Cross Necklace a Sin? . The Bible's Answer Will ...Instagram�Al can make mistakes, so double-check responses From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Monday, May 18, 2026 6:01 PM what" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "#middle class huh family law in Riverside shysters" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "#smoking you Bank supervisor manager vice president legally" on YouTube Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:55 AM [EXTERNAL] Watch "I don't need no college education to punk you out" on YouTube Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] You're not above the law police man Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Police officer arrested b Sheriff's Office in child exploitation investigation From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] The cross was used for brutal torture 600 before Christ Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:00 PM [EXTERNAL] California state law 50/50 all debts and assets then Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. My name is Ruben g Soto and I was wrongly done by child services in Riverside dcss and family law now I'm contacting you to get this all done they are evil they owe me back child support since 2018 of July I've been playing games with me because they know they did wrong now I hope I contact you and I can get some relief and justice divorce is supposed to be 50/50 in California they made me pay for everything took my child away everybody drinks and drugs now I'm contacting you my number is y email address is I'll be waiting to hear from you because they made me homeless I worked all my life pay my child support still paying it and you sent me something from West Sacramento and somebody broke into my car and stole it it was mail from you I had to send it back I get a chance to read it and send it back to you now I got my storyto tell ou and a lot more my ex- wife name was my daughter's name was she is now 24 years old and they keep me away from her cuz she knows the truth thank you very much I hope to hear from you soon sincerely yours the good father and good man From: Ruben Soto Sent: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Whitehouse correspondence Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. My name is Ruben g Soto and I was wrongly done by child services in Riverside dcss and family law now I'm contacting you to get this all done they are evil they owe me back child support since 2018 of July I've been playing games with me because they know they did wrong now I hope I contact you and I can get some relief and justice divorce is supposed to be 50/50 in California they made me pa eve thin took my child away everybody drinks and drugs now I'm contacting you my number is m fory email address is I'll be waiting to hear from you because they made me homeless I worked all my life pay my child support still paying it and you sent me something from West Sacramento and somebody broke into my car and stole it it was mail from you I had to send it back I get a chance to read it and send it back to you now I got my story to tell you and a lot more my ex- wife name was my daughter's name was she is now 24 years old and they keep me away from her cuz she knows the truth thank you very much I hope to hear from you soon sincerely yours the good father and good man On Sun, Mar 22, 2026, 11:38 PM Ruben Soto wrote: ------- Forwarded message --------- From: Ruben Soto Date: Mon, Dec 29, 2025, 3:53 AM ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Ruben Soto Date: Sun, Dec 21, 2025, 9:44 PM From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Sot [EXTERNAL] Just like in Fullerton same thing happened to me Robert boss auto Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper indicted in connection with 'towing corruption scheme' From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper indicted in connection with 'towing corruption scheme"' on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "God's about loving peace, huh? and a gentleman huh, a loving father huh" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "Black and yellow, black and yellow you brownie" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Ruben Soto Monday, May 25, 2026 6:50 PM [EXTERNAL] Watch "Jesus said John 8:7 read it and weep you Christians. you did me wrong. now the wrong returns" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "doing a drive -by downtown Disney. thought you won the game huh boys" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Anaheim policewoman I changed my life around woman like what I stand for Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Monday, June 1, 2026 7:42 AM [EXTERNAL] Watch "# every place I go men treat women like a meat market. you disgust me" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto Monday, June 1, 2026 8:12 AM [EXTERNAL] Hit the road Jack and Jill Old Black Lady telling the truth Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Fidelity.com telephone call and email no response Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Ruben Soto Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2026, 8:14 PM Subject: Fidelity.com telephone call and email no response To Dear Lynn, This is Mr. Soto. I've tried contacting to get my back child support numbers, accounting no reply or response back from the people responsible that has the information I called them. I sent you a link of the telephone conversation with Google photos and also I emailed them which I forward the email to your company. So anyway I thought I sent you an email you said I only send things that applies to my case. Well this certainly applies cuz I'm supposed to have this information 30 days prior to my court date which is in� I believe around there. Just thought I'd let you know we need to get this taken care of some way somehow. Thank you very much. Yours truly, Ruben Soto From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "#this is why I'm a lion not a black or a white sheep Christianity?" onYouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "chopping man away with a Hoe that I don't need to be hanging around with like a weed smoke it" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Subject: Ruben Soto [EXTERNAL] Watch "#shame on you" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: d u rfeycra i Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:43 AM [EXTERNAL] Schools Beyond Screens has expanded nationally! With emerging chapters in 130+ school districts across 28 states, Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. 05-15-2026 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842 CELL SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM FACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEY U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf new website socialemotionalpaws.org To whom it may concern View this email in your browser �q ke Keep the Momentum Going! Schools Beyond Screens has expanded nationally! With emerging chapters in 130+ school districts across 28 states, the movement to transform education in America is just getting started. We want to extend a warm welcome to our hundreds of new members. We are so excited to have you in our ranks! Whether you're in our original LAUSD chapter or part of our growing national movement, join us for some important events in the next two weeks to keep building momentum at this critical time. May 11: Learn How to Start (or Grow) Your Local Chapter of SBS! z s� COMMUNrrY WEBINAR i Join us for an SBS Community Webinar on how to form and grow a chapter of SBS in your school or district, with tips on community organizing and resources to get the ball rolling. Q&A to follow webinar. May 11th, 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT May 19: Show Up in Person for the Unveiling of LAUSD's New Intentional Tech Policy Now that the "Using Technology with Intention" resolution has passed, LA Unified is busy creating a comprehensive policy governing screen use for school year 2026- 2027. That policy will be unveiled at the May 19 Committee of the Whole Board Meeting. Mark your calendar so we can show up in full force to hear the policy draft and offer feedback in the form of public comment. The policy will be solidified by mid -June, so this is our only chance to make our voices heard in a public forum! May 19th, 10am-2pm PT 3 333 S. Beaudry May 13: EdSource Roundtable on Screens in Schools As K-12 schools grow increasingly dependent on screens for instruction, so do concerns about student focus, learning, behavior, and mental health. Are digital tools actually improving learning, or do they just look like they do, and what does this mean for families? Join EdSource for a virtual roundtable featuring SBS's Julie Edwards on how schools across California are considering a more balanced approach to classroom technology. Ma 21: Hear About the Class Action iReady Lawsuit from One of the Plaintiffs, SBS Founder Lila Byock 4 THURSDAY, MAY 21st,12PT/2CT/3ET Via Zoom SIBS Founder Lila Byock, along with the Tech -Safe Learning Coalition's Nicki Petrossi, is suing iReady's parent company Curriculum Associates. What does this mean for you & your students? Learn more about this landmark lawsuit (and general edtech privacy issues) from Lila, Nicki, and Andy Liddell of the EdTech Law Center. Webinar with Q&A to follow. May 21, 12pm PT Screen Time & Technology Use Survey If you live in California, please consider taking Distraction Free Schools -California's screen time use survey. This information goes a long way to informing our partner organization's legislative advocacy at the state level. Link Roundup Our movement is gaining major momentum, and the conversation around edtech is changing thanks to all of your hard work and advocacy. Here are some recent stories, in case you missed them: �. f�. � � � fib u� � ♦" � �i w � rw m p �x IS kZt � t £ J �AII �i P yyt � r M �'•�� • The New York Times says ' Parents are winning" with a cover photo of our very own Sandra Martinez Roe • SBS founder Lila Byock on NPR • Kelly Stonelake writing about the iReady lawsuit for "Overturned" • Digital detoxes help reverse cognitive decline (via The Independent) • WSJ: "How YouTube took over the American classroom" • The Washington Post: "Schools are cutting back on technology" • With tech resolution, LAUSD sets a precedent for other districts across the country (via People) • K-12 Dive: "Why districts can no longer ignore the ed tech push back" x 6 This email was sent to cadurfeyCa_)gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Schools Beyond Screens 2431 Meadow Valley Ter Los Angeles, CA 90039-2527 USA From: Sent: To: Subject: Craig A Durfey [EXTERNAL] Children's mental health visits have sharply risen in U.S., research says Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. https://enewspaper.ocregister.com/infinity/article popover_share.aspx?guid=f9a99a27-2249-4a2c- 9714-8c8fdc61 eaad&share=true From: Sent: To: Subject: Craig A Durfey [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Teachers union president calls for limits on Al and screen time in schools Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ---------- Forwarded messa e--------- From: Craig A Durfey Date: Wed, May 27, 2026 at 1:47 PM I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Teachers union president calls for limits on Al and screen time in schools - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/teachers-union-president- calls-for-limits-on-ai-and-screen-time-in-schools/ar-AA24bXrs?ocid=socialshare From: Sent: To: Subject: Craig A Durfey Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: California to limit social media for millions of teens in historic vote - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-to-limit-social-media-for- millions-of-teens-in-historic-vote/ar-AA24kiXU?ocid=socia[share From: Sent: To: Subject: Craig A Durfey [EXTERNAL] [Shared Post] IPads in kindergarten, YouTube videos at snack time: Parents are pushing back on screens in the early grades Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. https://hechingerreport.org/ipads-in-kindergarten-youtube-videos-at-snack-time-parents-are-pushing- back-on-screen-time-in-the-early-grades/ From: Aliya Yousufi <avousufi@cair.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 5:07 PM To: City Clerk <cityclerk@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Response Requested to Fatal San Diego Mosque Shooting You don't often get email from avousufi@cair.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear City Clerk, I am writing to ask that you please share this message with your Mayor and City Council members at your earliest convenience. Dear Mayor and Honorable Members of the City Council, I am reaching out on behalf of the Greater Los Angeles office of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) in the wake of yesterday's devastating attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), the largest mosque in San Diego County, which claimed the lives of three men: security guard Amin Abdullah, who heroically gave his life shielding 200 children from harm, and two other beloved members of the mosque community, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad, who were killed as they bravely attempted to draw the shooters away from others. The attack is currently categorized as a hate crime. The two suspected teenage gunmen were found deceased shortly after. The news of this event spread quickly and Muslim communities across California are mourning alongside ICSD after this devastating act of violence. Incidents like this leave deep emotional wounds that extend far beyond one congregation and are felt by the approximately one million Muslims who call California home. As we continue to see the rampant anti -Muslim rhetoric in government and in our communities, we must acknowledge that hate does not exist in a vacuum, and this attack is the ugliest proof of that. The attack came just days before Eid al-Adha, one of the most sacred times of the Islamic calendar, and it struck not only a place of prayer, but a school where children gather to learn. In light of this, I respectfully request two things: 1. A formal solidarity statement —We ask that your city issue an official statement condemning this act of Islamophobic violence and expressing your community's unwavering support for your Muslim neighbors, residents, and community members. Your words carry real weight. When elected officials speak clearly and publicly in defense of a targeted community, it matters deeply to those who are hurting and afraid. 2. A public message on your city's official social media platforms —We ask that you post a supportive message on your city's public -facing social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, or whichever platforms your city uses) so that Muslim community members can see it directly. Visibility is important. A message that lives only in official archives does not reach the people who need to feel it most. Please let me know if your city takes either of these steps as we would very much like to share and amplify any public statements you make in support of our Muslim neighbors. The three men who lost their lives on May 18, 2026 were not strangers. They were fathers, neighbors, and community members. Our prayers are with the families of those who were killed, the individuals who were injured, the children and worshippers who experienced this terrifying attack firsthand, and every member of the community now carrying unimaginable grief and trauma. Your words may not undo the damage but at least they can make sure our Muslim community knows that they do not have to face this alone because their leaders stand with them. Sincerely, Aliya Yousufi, J.D. I Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager Council on American -Islamic Relations, California Greater Los Angeles Area Office 2180 W. Crescent Ave., Ste. F I Anaheim, CA 92801 www.cairla.org 714.776.1847 3 M3 CAI R YEARS Council on American -Islamic Relations Greater -Los Angeles Area Office 2180 W. Crescent Avenue Suite F Anaheim, CA 92801 United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe. From: Fried, Jaron <friedja@auhsd.us> Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 4:05 PM To: Public Comment Cc: JaFried; CCobian Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You from AUHSD!! You don't often get email from friedJa@auhsd.us. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Please share the public comment below with the Mayor and Anaheim City Councilmembers for the June 9th City Council meeting. I wish I could attend, but I have a prior commitment I cannot reschedule. I made sure my comments would be two minutes or less :; Dr. Jaron Fried Superintendent Anaheim Union High School District Public Comment Mayor and Members of the Anaheim City Council, On behalf of the Anaheim Union High School District community, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued partnership, support, and care for our students and families. Recently, our community faced an unprecedented situation as the hazardous materials incident in Garden Grove threatened the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families. In the midst of that uncertainty, I was faced with the very difficult decision to postpone Kennedy High School's graduation ceremony out of an abundance of caution. During that moment, Deputy City Manager Ted White reached out and asked a simple but powerful question: "What can we do to help?" I shared the hope of somehow securing the Anaheim Convention Center so our students could still experience the graduation celebration they deserved. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Ted White, Mayor Pro Tern Carlos Leon, Tom Morton and his team, that became a reality. And they did it over Memorial Day weekend, no less. Because of your support and urgency, our Kennedy students and families were able to celebrate one of the most important milestones of their lives in a meaningful and 1 beautiful way. What could have been a heartbreaking moment became a powerful example of what community truly looks like. I also want to recognize Councilmember Maas. During a recent national conference visit to Katella High School, educators from across the country specifically shared how impressed they were by the visible partnership between our schools and city leadership. Her presence reflected the deep commitment this Council has to our students and families. Please know how grateful we are for all of you. We are proud to serve alongside leaders who believe so deeply in supporting young people, families, and the Anaheim community. Thank you. Jaron Frie66 EdD Superintendent Anaheim Union High School District Q Anaheim Union High School District E-mail Confidentiality Notice This e-mail communication and any attachments, including documents, files, or previous e-mail messages, constitute electronic communications within the scope of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510 et seq. This e-mail communication may contain non-public, confidential or legally privileged information intended for the sole use of the designated recipient(s). The unauthorized and intentional interception, use, copy or disclosure of such information, or attempt to do so, is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful under applicable laws. 18 U.S.C. § 2511. If you have received this e-mail communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by return e-mail and delete the original e- mail from your system. Q From: KATHY CHANCE Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026 2:32 PM To: Public Comment; Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] D-1 BALIUS FAILS TO ADDRESS NOR SUPPORT EVACAUATION for his D-1 Anaheim residents Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. WHY did the other District 1 residents (BLALUS) have to hear about the OC Community Resilience Fund via STANTON instead of Balius or the City of Anaheim? As of this writing at 1430 hours on FRI 6/5/2026, neither the City of Anaheim nor District 1 Councilperson BALIUS has informed Anaheim District 1 to offer support or even advertising filing a claim via the OC Resilience Fund. While we appreciate COUNCILMAN BAILUS being in the evacuation zone, he needed to only hop over his own wall onto Ball Rd to be out of the "Danger Zone." Instead, he has not only made a complete mockery out of this incident, he HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH D-1 ANAHEIM TO address FILE CLAIMS for all of those affected in Anaheim District BALIUS WILL NOT BE SUPPORTED NOR RE-ELECTED! From: Albright, Laura <LAIbrig ht@ochca.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 10:16 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Reallocating Funds: Replacing Anaheim's Costly Helicopter Program with Efficient DFR Technology You don't often get email from lalbright@ochca.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing as an Anaheim resident to urge the City Council to defund and phase out the Anaheim Police Department's expensive helicopter program. Aviation units demand millions of dollars annually for fuel, maintenance, and specialized staffing. These outdated assets cause constant noise pollution and raise serious privacy concerns across our neighborhoods. With the emergence of Drone -as -a -First -Responder (DFR) programs, keeping a helicopter fleet is no longer financially or operationally justifiable. DFR systems provide identical, high -quality aerial situational awareness at a fraction of the acquisition and maintenance costs. They deploy faster, operate quietly, and offer a much smaller carbon footprint. I request that the Council audit the current helicopter program budget and look into replacing it entirely with modern DFR technology. The millions of dollars saved should be left in the pockets of the residents who have been saddled with the burden of excessive taxes. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to a forward -thinking Anaheim. Sincerely, Laura Albright Resident in District 1 ", �t ..... .... .... m....,wm,.o„�,�u�� Laura Albright, REHS Environmental Health Specialist II IPublic Health Services Environmental Health DivisionlWater Quality 1241 E. Dyer Rd. #120, Santa Ana, CA 92705 ochealthinfo.com From: Dennis R Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 12:01 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public works department You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. You may remember when the public works department tried to take away my family business, Visser's Florist and tear it down to widen the street. Rudy and carlos Castellanos fronted that push. Now, they are targeting me because I had to involve the state HCD because the city was illegally denying my sb9 project. Under the direct command of rudy and Carlos, my project required an extensive precise grading plan. This is a $10,000 report with $5,000 in engineering inspection fees, and to date i have spent over $10,000 in city fees for this. It is basically a report to install $900 of landscape drains on my flat lot that already naturally drains water to the street. The other 2 aspects of this report can be done with is $1200 Surveyor, but this waiver was denied. After I informed my friend Jose zombrano who lives in Anaheim that state is required to allow sb9, he submitted his plans at the very same time. Jose was granted his waiver. I will be attending the next public hearing to go more into detail how the public works division has targeted me for punishment for standing up against them during our 2 year nightmare that you put us through for Visser's. This new nightmare has resulted in my prospective tenants waiting for 3 months to move in, since my full project had been completed. Carlos has directed his staff to delay and pick out one item at a time in order to punish me and cost me thousands of dollars. Not only do I demand that they finally allow me to move forward, I demand that he is removed from his position. Dennis Robinson Vice President Visser's Florist & Greenhouses 714) 772-9900 www.vissersflowers.com From: Stephanie Mercadante Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:41 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] On Behalf of Jeanine Robbins, District 2, Councilmember Carlos Leon Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For public comment on June 09, 2026: Two weeks ago, the LA Times released an article that the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against its former CEO, Todd Ament, alleging self -dealing, kickbacks, bribery, and influence peddling. What stood out to me was not just the lawsuit itself. It was the Chamber's statement. The Chamber stated it wanted accountability. The Chamber stated it intended to hold individuals responsible for misconduct. The Chamber stated that corruption would not be tolerated in Anaheim. That's a remarkable statement because many residents have been asking a simple question: Why does the Chamber seem more interested in accountability than City Hall? Residents have spent months asking questions about drinking water issues, Well 51, PFAS contamination, brown drinking water, excessive flushing, retaliation against employees who raised concerns, management decisions, and the lack of transparency surrounding those events. Instead of answers, residents have received presentations. Instead of accountability, managers have been reassigned and, in some instances, these managers have claimed to receive a pay raise. Instead of investigations, we hear talking points. Instead of transparency, we get photo opportunities and public relations campaigns telling us everything is fine. The Chamber says misconduct should be investigated. Residents agree. The Chamber says people should be held accountable. Residents agree. 1 The Chamber says corruption and unethical conduct should not be tolerated in Anaheim Residents agree. So why does that standard appear to apply everywhere except inside City Hall? Why are residents still waiting for answers regarding Well 51 and the reported 74-day delay in shutting the well down after PFAS levels requiring action were identified? Why are residents still waiting for answers regarding the brown drinking water that occurred in Anaheim Hills? Why are residents still waiting for answers regarding the extensive flushing activities that reportedly occurred throughout the system following those events? Why are residents still waiting for answers regarding retaliation and harassment directed toward employees who raised concerns about water quality, operational decisions, and public safety? And why are residents still waiting for answers regarding reports that crews were directed to perform excavation work without proper DigAlert notifications, without adequately locating underground utilities, and without following safety practices designed to protect employees, residents, and critical infrastructure? These are not minor issues. They involve public safety, employee safety, drinking water quality, and the City's responsibility to protect both residents and workers. At some point, Anaheim must decide whether accountability is a slogan or a principle. Because residents are tired of watching scandals managed instead of investigated. We are tired of watching problems rebranded instead of resolved. And we are tired of being told to trust a process that never seems to hold management accountable. If the Chamber of Commerce can publicly demand accountability, surely Anaheim City Hall can take some lessons and do the same. From: Stephanie Mercadante - Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:45 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] On Behalf of Stephanie Mercadante, District 4, Councilmember Norma Campos Kurtz Attachments: finalPublic Utilities Board May 27, 2026 - Comment submitted by_ Stephanie Mercadantefinal.pdf, Public Utilities Board May 27, 2026 - Comment submitted by_ Marc Herbert finalfinal.pdf Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For public comment on June 09, 2026: Residents have been asking very specific questions about our drinking water for months. These are not new concerns. These questions have been repeatedly presented before the City Council and the Public Utilities Board. Instead of direct answers, residents have often been met with interruptions, inappropriate name- calling, dismissive comments, and efforts to characterize legitimate questions as misinformation. I would like to address what occurred following the May 27th Public Utilities Board meeting. At that meeting, residents submitted detailed questions regarding Anaheim's drinking water system, PFAS contamination, water quality issues, operational decisions, public disclosure, and transparency. These were specific questions seeking answers. Chairperson John Seymour agreed the questions deserved answers and directed General Manager Dukku Lee and Water Production Manager Craig Parker to respond. What happened next was concerning. After receiving that directive, Craig Parker did not appear willing to simply answer the questions. Based on his comments and demeanor, he appeared irritated and argumentative. Rather than answering, he challenged the premise of the questions and demanded additional "context." He said any meeting with residents would not be to answer the submitted questions, but to understand why residents were asking them. The context was already provided during the meeting. It has also been provided repeatedly at City Council meetings for months. When residents ask why Well 51 reportedly remained online for approximately 74 days after PFAS levels requiring action were identified, that question contains its own context. Residents have also asked why different shutdown dates were presented to the public, why drinking water turned brown, and why staff reportedly conducted extensive flushing before compliance testing. What additional context could the City, Dukku Lee, or Craig Parker possibly need? Residents are now questioning whether the City is choosing to release only the information it wants the public to hear while remaining silent about what residents are actually asking. I would respectfully remind the City Council and City management that you are public servants. That includes accountability and transparency to the residents you serve. When residents spend months asking direct questions about their drinking water, they deserve direct answers. Not delays. Not deflections. Not interruptions. Not name-calling. Not demands for additional context. The specific questions directed by Chairman Seymour to Craig Parker and Dukku Lee will again be submitted as part of tonight's public comments. We look forward to those questions finally being answered. Residents have provided plenty of context. What has been missing are the answers. Public Utilities Board May 27, 2026 - Comment submitted by: Stephanie Mercadante Anaheim residents have been asking the City Council to provide an explanation for the past four meetings regarding our drinking water. Residents still do not have answers so we are seeking answers here. 1. The City was notified in December 2025 that Well 51 had high levels of PFAS that required action. How come no action was taken for 74 days? 2. Why did the City publicly state on February 17, 2026 that Well 51 had been shut down due to the high PFAS concerns, while records reportedly provided to the State indicate the well remained online until approximately March 6, 2026? Please explain the two different shutdown dates and inform the public which one is accurate. 3. Was cost a factor in the delay to shut down Well 51? 4. Was the Public Utilities Board informed of the discrepancy between the February and March shutdown dates? 5. On September 17, 2025, why was the Walnut Canyon Reservoir valve opened to approximately 22% after an extended closure and further opened to 50% on September 23rd? Who authorized this reopening? 6. Were supervisory personnel warned by staff about concerns involving turbidity, chlorine demand, and downstream treatment impacts before the valve was opened further? 7. Did management understand these operational changes could contribute to elevated THM and bromate formation risk in the distribution system? THM and Bromate can turn the water brown, and it was definitely brown on September 23, just 6 days after initially opening the valve on September 17. 8. Did the City's Operational Evaluation Report submitted to the Department of Drinking Water conclude that these operational changes contributed to the water quality conditions later observed at Lenain Treatment Plant? 9. Following the valve opening, why did extensive flushing reportedly begin occurring throughout the distribution system, including flushing near elevated THM compliance sampling locations prior to sample collection? 10. Did management personnel direct supervisory staff to alter distribution -system conditions through targeted flushing immediately prior to compliance sampling? 11. If not, which supervisory personnel specifically authorized and coordinated those flushing activities? 12. Can the City explain how aggressively flushing elevated THM locations immediately before compliance sampling resulted in what staff described as a "representative sample of the water in the system"? 13. And finally, if management was warned about these deteriorating water quality conditions beforehand, why were those operational concerns not disclosed publicly at the time they occurred? Why were they not mentioned in the Annual Water Quality Report, and why were they not mentioned in the presentation provided on April 21? Public Utilities Board May 27, 2026 - Comment submitted by: Marc Herbert Anaheim residents would like direct answers to the following questions: 1. Why did the City's April 21, 2026 "Water Sustainability and Affordability" presentation slide stop at the year 2024 regarding water consumption data even though 2025 water data was already available and referenced within the City's own Water Quality Report? 2. Employees have reported approximately 10 million gallons of flushing activity occurred during 2025. Was the 2025 water consumption excluded from the presentation because it would have contradicted the City's "30% reduction in annual water consumption" narrative? 3. Why does the City's 2026 Water Quality Report state "each source is tested to make sure we continue to supply the highest quality water," while later stating in the same report "we cannot be sure of the quality of the drinking water during that time"? 4. If the City could not verify water quality during part of 2025, why were residents repeatedly told the water was safe? 5. If the water is safe, why was our drinking water brown on September 23? Just 6 days after opening the valve to 50%? 6. Why were those conditions not disclosed to the public, or mentioned during the City's April 21, 2026 water presentation, or included in City's Water Quality Report? 7. The City hired a consulting firm to provide auditors, Brown and Caldwell, to conduct a Water Production Optimization Study intended to ensure the "highest level of water quality." These auditors have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars since December to conduct this study and audit the operations at the Lenain Water Treatment Plant. The auditors are at the Lenain Water Treatment Plant every single day. 8. Did these auditors observe, document, or report the brown drinking water? Did they report the elevated THM concerns? Did they report the treatment impacts occurring during their onsite involvement? 9. Did the auditors identify operational decisions regarding the valve opening as contributing factors to the THM and bromate issues? 10. Did the auditors review the extensive flushing activity occurring throughout the distribution system during 2025 up until today? 11. If outside auditors embedded within the system failed to identify or disclose these operational concerns while being paid by Anaheim ratepayers, what exactly were residents paying them to audit? 12. Are Anaheim residents now paying for excessive flushing in 2025 because management made poor operational decisions that contributed to these brown drinking water conditions? 13. Will residents continue to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for outside auditors who continue to fail to identify, disclose, or report these issues while being present at the Lenain Water Treatment Plant every single day, all day, and even all night? Where are the audit reports? What is the real purpose for these auditors and why are our taxpayer dollars being wasted? From: Stephanie Mercadante Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:48 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] On Behalf of Marc Herbert Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For public comment on June 09, 2026: Tonight, I would like to discuss accountability within Human Resources. The City of Anaheim has policies that promise employees a workplace free from harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and misconduct. The City also has grievance procedures, EEO complaint processes, whistleblower protections, and ethics policies. Who is holding Human Resources accountable when these policies are not enforced? The Mayor? The Council? The City Manager? The City Attorney? Linda Andal serves as Anaheim's Human Resources Director. During her tenure, numerous employees have filed EEO complaints, grievances, retaliation complaints, whistleblower complaints, and allegations of workplace misconduct. Yet it's common knowledge amongst City employees that Human Resources protects Management rather than investigating Management. When allegations involve senior executives, who investigates? Who provides oversight? Who ensures complaints are impartially handled? When the LA Times covered the story about the Fire Department's Supervising Dispatcher Brenda Carrion having awarded her niece a $500,000 dollar contract, where was Linda Andal? Did she refer this potential procurement fraud to the OC District Attorney for investigation? No, she did not. When former City Manager Jim Vanderpool was accused of misconduct and later found to have provided inaccurate information regarding his Laughlin trip, where was Linda Andal? Did she initiate an investigation? No, she did not. And speaking of Jim Vanderpool, why was Linda Andal involved in efforts to pursue a multimillion -dollar Third Party Administration contract for workers' compensation services with a vendor connected to Jim Vanderpool? Why did Linda Andal step in when the City already employed staff performing those same functions? These are not merely procurement questions. These are questions about oversight and stewardship of public funds. These are questions on whether the Mayor, Council, and Staff are working in the best interests of Anaheim residents. If not, who are they working for? When Public Utilities employees repeatedly reported harassment, retaliation, protected union activity issues, drinking water concerns, Call Before You Dig complaints, safety issues, and whistleblower disclosures, how many of those complaints were fairly and impartially investigated? The answer is none of them. Why not? How many tort claims, grievances, EEO complaints, and lawsuits has the City faced during Linda Andal's tenure as Human Resources Director? The purpose of Human Resources is not to protect the Managers, Council, and Mayor from accountability. The purpose of Human Resources is to protect employees, enforce City policy, ensure ethical conduct, and reduce liability to taxpayers. Taxpayers ultimately pay the cost when misconduct is ignored, retaliation is allowed to continue, and lawsuits are filed. So tonight, I ask the Council: Who is auditing Human Resources? And who is holding Linda Andal at Human Resources accountable for her failure to protect employees and taxpayer dollars? From: Stephanie Mercadante Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:52 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] On Behalf of Tom Felder, District 1, Councilmember Ryan Balius Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For public comment on June 09, 2026: Residents and employees have raised serious concerns regarding Water Field Superintendent Pete Garcia. Among the allegations raised by employees were directives to perform excavation work without proper DigAlert notifications, discouraging the use of potholing to safely identify underground utilities, assigning understaffed crews to potentially hazardous work, requiring employees to continue working after extended overnight shifts, and managing through intimidation and fear rather than professional leadership, safety, and accountability. And now, effective today, it seems the City has recognized there is a problem, as Pete Garcia has been transferred to another department. Is that what the City calls accountability? Because from the public's perspective, it appears that Pete Garcia was rewarded for unsafe and retaliatory behavior, rather than being held accountable. Indeed, Pete Garcia announced this morning he was promoted, received a raise, and will now be working on CAPITAL PROJECTS IN THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT WITHOUT COLLEGE DEGREE! He was transferred to another position within the organization while continuing to receive the same taxpayer - funded salary. How is the City justifying paying more taxpayer dollars to Pete Garcia after he violates Anaheim policy? If a manager is accused of creating a hostile work environment, compromising safety, disregarding safe digging requirements, and retaliating against employees, why is the City rewarding that behavior? Because transferring a manager to another department, into a higher -paid position, is not holding the manager accountable. It is a cover-up. Residents have seen this pattern before. A problem is identified. Complaints are filed. Employees raise concerns. An investigation occurs behind closed doors —or doesn't even occur at all. Then the problem individual is transferred, reassigned, promoted, or quietly moved elsewhere, while the public is left wondering whether anyone was ever held accountable. Tonight, I am asking a simple question: When serious allegations involving management are raised, does Anaheim investigate them or sweep them under what must be a very large rug? Because taxpayers are funding these salaries. Employees are working under these managers. Employees are suing the City because of these managers. And taxpayers are paying for that, too. But the employees are not to blame for holding the City accountable. When is the City Council going to help Linda Andal understand that the City's zero -tolerance policy also applies to management? When the City fails to protect its employees, it also fails to protect taxpayer dollars. The costs of retaliation, grievances, lawsuits, investigations, and mismanagement are ultimately paid by the residents of Anaheim. From: Stephanie Mercadante Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:55 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] On Behalf of Mike Robbins, District 2, Councilmember Carlos Leon Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For public comment on June 09, 2026: Tonight, I want to talk about accountability. Keith McDonald, the Water Systems Operations Manager who reports to Craig Parker, was reportedly transferred out of the Water Operations Department effective today, June 9th. For those who may not know his responsibilities, when Well 51 reportedly remained online for approximately 74 days after the City was notified of PFAS levels requiring action, that happened under Keith McDonald's management. When Anaheim Hills residents experienced brown drinking water following operational decisions involving Walnut Canyon Reservoir, that happened under Keith McDonald's management. When millions of gallons of water were reportedly flushed throughout the system prior to required testing, that happened under Keith McDonald's management. And now he is no longer responsible for the day-to-day operation of Anaheim's drinking water system. Which raises an obvious question: If the City believed there was no problem, why was he transferred? And if the City believed there was a problem significant enough to remove him from those responsibilities, where is the accountability? And how did transferring him solve the problem? Residents still want to know: Why was Well 51 not shut down sooner? Why were different shutdown dates provided to the public? Why did our drinking water turn brown? Why were extensive flushing activities reportedly conducted throughout Anaheim Hills? Perhaps most troubling are reports that employees who raised concerns regarding drinking water quality, public safety, and operational decisions were met with retaliation, intimidation, or efforts to discredit their concerns rather than address them. Which brings us back to Human Resources. Linda Andal is the Human Resources Director. Her responsibility is to investigate complaints, enforce City policy, and protect employees and taxpayers from the costs of misconduct and retaliation. Employees raised concerns regarding water quality. And these employees were retaliated against. At what point does Human Resources stop protecting management and start protecting the integrity of the organization? At the end of the day, you chose a career in public service. That does not mean cover up, conceal, and contain. It means transparency, accountability, and honest government. The residents of Anaheim deserve nothing less. Please act accordingly. From: Stephanie Mercadante Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:58 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] On Behalf of Dave Duran, District 1, Councilmember Ryan Balius Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. For public comment on June 09, 2026: Pete Garcia, Water Transmission & Distribution Superintendent who reports to Craig Parker, was reportedly transferred out of his position overseeing Water Production and Maintenance after employees raised numerous concerns regarding workplace safety, intimidation, retaliation, staffing levels, and excavation practices. Keith McDonald, the Water Systems Operations Manager, has also reportedly been removed from many of his previous operational responsibilities and transferred to a position overseeing laboratory functions. This is the same laboratory operation that reportedly failed to complete required monitoring identified in the Annual Water Quality Report. This is the same laboratory operation that observed the brown drinking water conditions at the Lenain Water Treatment Plant. This is the same laboratory operation that ordered excessive flushing before required state testing. This is the same laboratory operation whose observations regarding those events were not disclosed in the Annual Water Quality Report and were not discussed during the City's April 21 st presentation to residents. So again, where is the ethical accountability and legal responsibility? Linda Andal's repeated failure to investigate complaints and failure to protect employees is unacceptable and should not become the defining legacy of any Human Resources department. Because from the public's perspective, the City's response to management failures appears to be remarkably consistent... ignoring and looking the other way is not acceptable. When employees make mistakes, they face discipline. When this Mayor and council make mistakes, THEY WILL FACE DISCIPLINE on November 3rd When residents ask questions, they are interrupted and called the "disinformation brigade." When whistleblowers raise concerns, they are attacked, disciplined, singled out, and even terminated. But when management decisions result in controversy, public distrust, regulatory concerns, grievances, tort claims, and lawsuits, management is protected, promoted, and continues to receive pay raise after pay raise. And the voting resident taxpayers are forced to continue paying the bill. Residents deserve to know the truth about how much these decisions have cost the City. How much has been spent responding to grievances? How much has been spent defending lawsuits? How much has been spent investigating complaints? How much has been spent cleaning up problems that may have been prevented if concerns had been addressed when employees first raised them? The silence from the Mayor and Council was a sign that they were apparently either complicit and/or unwilling to hold Jim Vanderpool accountable. We were just lucky he snuck out the back door on a Saturday morning before he could embarrass the City further. If Anaheim truly wants to rebuild public trust, management should not get a free pass from being held accountable. One thing is for certain. Residents will continue asking questions. Residents will continue demanding answers. And we will continue to demand accountability from every level of City government. How many more lawsuits have to be filed before the Mayor and City Council figure out who the real problems are?... November 3rd might be the residents' retribution day if the mayor and council continue failing as elected representatives...